Fix an "Untrustworthy Promotions" suspension
A distinct GMC policy from Misrepresentation — it targets how you run discounts and urgency. Here is what to remove.
The Untrustworthy Promotions policy is triggered when Google decides your promotions pressure or mislead shoppers — even if your products and prices are otherwise fine. It is one of the easiest suspensions to fix because the offending elements are usually a handful of widgets you can remove in minutes.
Our free AI audit screenshots your store and flags the exact promotional elements that look untrustworthy, with the page they appear on, so you can strip them and appeal.
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See exactly what Google flagged on your store in under a minute — then get a paste-ready appeal.
Start my free audit →Promotional patterns Google flags as untrustworthy
- Countdown timers that reset on refresh or never actually end (fake flash sales).
- Permanent "Only 2 left!" / "Selling fast" scarcity that never changes whatever the real stock.
- Struck-through "was" prices with no genuine prior price to justify the discount.
- Unverifiable claims like "lowest price guaranteed", "90% off today only", or "best deal on the web".
- Promo codes or banners advertising discounts that do not actually apply at checkout.
How to fix untrustworthy promotions
- 1Audit your promo elements
Run the free audit to see every countdown, scarcity badge and discount claim Google can flag — and which page it is on.
- 2Remove fake urgency
Delete resetting countdowns and permanent "only X left" widgets. If you use urgency, it must reflect reality.
- 3Justify every discount
Only show a struck-through price if the item genuinely sold at that price recently. Remove unverifiable "best price" claims.
- 4Verify codes, then appeal
Make sure advertised promo codes actually work at checkout, then submit the audit’s appeal letter listing what you removed.
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Frequently asked questions
What are untrustworthy promotions in Google Merchant Center?
Promotions that pressure or mislead shoppers — fake countdowns, permanent fake scarcity, struck-through prices with no real prior price, or unverifiable "best price" claims.
Is this the same as Misrepresentation?
No. It is a separate policy focused specifically on how you run discounts and urgency. A store can be clean on Misrepresentation but still be flagged here.
Can I use countdown timers at all?
Only if they reflect a real, ending event and do not reset on refresh. Permanent or resetting timers are the classic trigger.
Related guides
- How to fix a Google Merchant Center suspension →
- Fix GMC suspended for Misrepresentation →
- Google Merchant Center requirements checklist →
More fixes
- Fix a Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation suspension →
- Fix "Your account violated the Circumventing Systems policy" →
- "Currently you cannot register as a merchant" — how to fix it →
- Google Merchant Center suspended — how to get reinstated →
- Merchant Center suspended for dropshipping — how to fix it →
- Products not approved on Google Shopping — how to fix it →
- Merchant Center Next — fixing a Misrepresentation suspension →
- WooCommerce + Google Merchant Center — fixing suspensions →
- Fix "Missing inventory data" in Google Merchant Center →
- Account suspended for a policy violation — how to fix it →
- Google Ads account suspended — how to get reinstated →