Refund request: unexpected Gemini API charges over 3 days; billing account closed and I can't reach support

Hi Google team,

I’m an individual developer in Korea, and I’m asking for help with unexpected Gemini API charges.

  • Between January 11 and 13, 2026, I was testing Gemini in Google AI Studio and turned on an advanced mode. I didn’t realize this would generate paid charges on my linked Cloud billing account.
  • In just three days, the Gemini API charges reached ₩273,802 (₩301,258 with VAT), about 7 times my usual monthly usage of around ₩40,000.
  • I didn’t receive any clear notice or anomaly alert while the charges were growing, and I haven’t used the service since January 13.
  • This was a personal test, not commercial use, and this amount is a serious burden for me.

I asked the Billing Assistant for a one-time courtesy adjustment, but the automated review declined it. Because my billing account is now closed, I can’t reach live chat or email support. I’ve also received a notice that the balance may be sent to a debt collection agency.

Could someone from the Google team please review my case manually and consider a one-time waiver? I can share my billing account ID privately. Thank you very much.