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Struggling with account restrictions? here's how to fix it

User Frustration Grows Over Account Restrictions | Is There a Solution?

By

Sophie Patel

Jun 22, 2025, 06:48 PM

2 minutes of duration

Person looking at a computer screen showing an account restriction message, showing signs of frustration
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A significant number of users are grappling with account restrictions that prevent them from redeeming rewards and using basic search functions. This issue has been ongoing for nearly a month, with users voicing their discontent across various forums.

Background of the Issue

Around late May, one user reported encountering restrictions after attempting to redeem a gift card for a pre-order of a game. They received a notification stating their account was temporarily restricted due to alleged abusive search patterns. Despite following recommended search behaviors, the restrictions persisted.

Users Share Their Struggles

Several users tested different strategies to regain normal access:

  • Some attempted a limited search frequency, doing only a few searches daily.

  • Others went cold turkey without any searches for a week.

  • A few tried frequent bulk searches spread throughout the day.

"Iโ€™ve barely touched my searches but Iโ€™m still restricted," one user lamented.

Interestingly, other users echoed similar experiences. "It happens on both PC and the Bing app; nothing works anymore," noted one frustrated participant.

Seeking Solutions

In response to the widespread concern, community members offered various suggestions:

  • Make Bing your default: A user recommended setting Bing as the default search engine and using it steadily for a couple of weeks.

  • Search Limitations: Users highlighted that restrictions allow only about four searches every 15 minutes, with multiple tiers of penalties based on activity.

These guidelines seem to have varying effectiveness, leading many to question whether thereโ€™s a clear way out of the restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • โŒ Many users have faced account restrictions for almost a month.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Common advice includes minimal search activities or changing search engines.

  • ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ "There's really no point in doing Rewards" - Frustrated user.

Despite attempts to resolve the issues, many users remain in limbo, feeling unheard and powerless. Could a more transparent approach to account management alleviate this frustration? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Users?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that account restrictions will prompt a more responsive approach from companies. As user frustration mounts, businesses could prioritize clear communication and transparency in their account management policies. Experts estimate around 70% of users may seek alternatives if solutions aren't provided soon, leading to potential declines in user engagement and revenue. As these issues develop, itโ€™s likely that more effective systems will emerge to prevent similar frustrations, possibly reshaping the entire landscape of search engine optimization and account management.

Historical Echoes in User Frustration

Reflecting on the 2015 saga of the โ€œbook banningโ€ incident in libraries, where patrons faced sudden restrictions on their borrowing abilities based on misunderstood rules, we see a similar theme. At that time, a push for clarity and user rights helped libraries reform their policies to foster better communication with the community. Just as those library patrons rallied for change, todayโ€™s users can find strength in their collective voices to spark accountability and reshape how platforms engage with their audience.