It was last Sunday afternoon when I received a notification that my bank declined several attempted $200+ charges from Google Cloud Services.

Upon further investigation I found that my Google Cloud Services had an old test API Key that was never deleted like it was supposed to have been, unrestricted, and connected to my main Google Cloud Services (Google Business) account.

It therefore ran up ~$1,288 bill.

There's virtually ZERO history of any API Keys receiving requests to that account. Then, suddenly out of nowhere there's 34K+.

I never use this particular account for any sort of API Key services. It's strictly been an account for email and YouTube Premium. I've since deleted the key in question and contacted Google Chat Support (I do not have phone support).

The Chat Support told me that my case was "being transferred to a specialized department". I have heard absolutely NOTHING from this specialized department.

Am I totally screwed here?

I have two kids and I don't make a ton of money so this bill is a pretty big issue. I'm afraid to update my billing right now because I have bills to pay and children to feed. But I do not want to lose my Google Account / GMAIL / Email, etc.

EDIT: It was a Google Places (New) API Key

>TL;DR: The goal was to break 80 before the end of the year. Yesterday I shot even par (71) with 5 birdies and shared the day with my 5-year-old son. Some goals are worth chasing. Some memories are worth keeping forever.

Never underestimate what consistent practice and a little belief can do. ⛳❤️

After nearly two decades—and at times wondering if I'd ever really be able to play golf again—I shot the best round of my life: an even par 71 with 5 birdies.

But honestly, the score wasn't the best part.

My 5-year-old son begged me to go play yesterday, so we spent the day together chasing birdies, riding in the cart, and making memories I'll never forget. One day he'll probably forget the score, but I never will. ⛳❤️🏌️‍♂️

It was one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf I've ever played.

I made a post a while back sharing my journey back to golf. Four months ago, I decided to get serious about improving my game.

Since then, I've been practicing 4–5 days a week in my backyard using my DIY simulator setup, doing range sessions, playing on GSPro, hitting the grass range whenever I can, and getting out on a real course at least a couple times each month.

At the beginning of the year, my goal was simple:

>Break 80 once before the end of the year.

When I started playing again about 8½ months ago, I was playing to roughly a 16 handicap.

Today, according to my tracked rounds in 18Birdies, I'm down to about a 6.6 handicap, and I've now broken 80 three times:

🏌️‍♂️ 77 (+5) @ The Links At Greenfield Plantation - Bradenton, FL - 03/14/26
🏌️‍♂️ 79 (+7) @ Bent Tree Country Club - Sarasota, FL - 05/16/26
🏌️‍♂️ 71 (Even Par) @ Bobby Jones Golf Club - Sarasota, FL - 05/31/26

The dedication, practice, and willingness to keep learning have helped tremendously.

About a month ago, I finally purchased GSPro and started playing matches online through the SGT Discord community. I genuinely believe competing against other golfers online has helped improve my on-course performance, especially when it comes to nerves, pressure, and course management.

The coolest part?

Yesterday, I got to share one of the best rounds of my life with my son.

And that's what I'll remember most.

#Golf #FamilyFirst #EvenPar #MakingMemories #DadLife #GolfJourney #GSPro #GolfSimulator #RoadToScratch

u/KalElbiwon

HELP! An old test Maps API Key accidentally not deleted was compromised by a malicious person an ran up 34K requests in a matter of a few hours. How can I get out of this $1,200 bill?

I shot my best round in over 18 years after 16 years away from the game, 3 back surgeries, and months of dedicated training & practice.

#Golf #FamilyFirst #EvenPar #MakingMemories #DadLife #GolfJourney #GSPro #GolfSimulator #RoadToScratch

u/KalElbiwon

HELP! An old test Maps API Key accidentally not deleted was compromised by a malicious person an ran up 34K requests in a matter of a few hours. How can I get out of this $1,200 bill?

I shot my best round in over 18 years after 16 years away from the game, 3 back surgeries, and months of dedicated training &amp; practice.

#Golf #FamilyFirst #EvenPar #MakingMemories #DadLife #GolfJourney #GSPro #GolfSimulator #RoadToScratch

I shot my best round in over 18 years after 16 years away from the game, 3 back surgeries, and months of dedicated training & practice.