This is the classic symptom of invalid traffic, often resulting from malicious competitor clicks or sophisticated bots.
Before you panic and start a deep data dive, check one crucial setting for immediate relief:
Navigate to your Campaign Settings → Locations → Location Options (Advanced).
If your setting is currently on "Presence or interest," switch it immediately to "Presence: People in or regularly in your targeted locations" only.
This simple move instantly filters out a massive chunk of fraudulent clicks coming from outside your target geography via VPNs or users merely "interested" in your region, saving you immediate budget.
For the complete 3-Layer Defense Plan, including how to perform a deep data audit and successfully claim your Invalid Click credit from Google, see the detailed guide here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/click-fraud-draining-your-google-ads-budget-heres-balasubramanian-xsnvc