My AdWords account got locked a few years back. It was my first attempt to try AdWords on my website. I've loaded around $20 and it almost immediately got locked (not a single ad was shown/clicked). I could never unlock it or retrieve my money from it. So Google has my 20 dollars now.
I recently got a letter in the mail (from EY if I recall correctly) who on behalf of Google, asked me if I wanted to collect the unused balance from an inactive account (with options on how to receive said funds), otherwise it will go to your states' unclaimed funds. Perhaps check there to see if it got sent there?
Whoops, yeah, I guess it depends on how many years back it was. I guess it's better advice for what to do when it happens. That said, I know at least bank's website allows disputing transactions over a year old but I'm not sure if they allow over 2 years or not (you may have to call).
