As a business owner, your Google Business Profile is an essential tool for online visibility and customer engagement. Unfortunately, scammers are increasingly exploiting business owners by impersonating Google representatives. These fraudulent calls can lead to financial losses, security breaches, and unnecessary stress.
Understanding how to distinguish a legitimate Google call from a scam is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover how Google actually contacts businesses, common scam tactics, and the best ways to protect yourself and your business from these fraudulent schemes.
Does Google Actually Call Businesses?
Yes, Google may call businesses, but only under specific circumstances. According to Google’s official statement:
“Google does not make unsolicited sales calls from an automated system. However, we may place automated phone calls to your business for non-sales tasks such as confirming your business details for Google Maps, making reservations, or scheduling appointments on behalf of Google users. In some cases, these calls can be from a manual operator.”
Key Characteristics of Legitimate Google Calls
- Automated Calls: Google may use automated calls to verify business details, hours of operation, or listing updates.
- Manual Operator Calls: If a real Google representative calls, it will be regarding Google Ads, Google Play, or other Google accounts. They will never request payment or sensitive information.
- No Sales Pitches: Google will never call to sell services, offer ranking improvements, or request fees to manage your business profile.
If a call does not match these criteria, it’s likely a scam.
Common Google Business Profile Scams
Scammers use various tactics to trick business owners into paying for unnecessary services or divulging sensitive information. Here are some of the most prevalent Google Business Profile scams:
1. Fake Google Representative Calls
Scammers often pose as Google employees or affiliates, claiming to work “with” or “for” Google. They may offer services like:
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile
- Improving your ranking in search results
- Ensuring your profile remains active
- Removing negative reviews
2. Threatening to Remove Your Business Listing
Another common scam involves fraudsters calling businesses and claiming their Google Business Profile will be removed unless they pay a fee. Google never charges for maintaining or updating business listings.
3. Requests for Payment or Sensitive Information
Scammers may ask for credit card details, social security numbers, or account passwords under the pretense of verifying your account. Google will never request this type of information over the phone.
4. Fake Emergency Issues With Your Listing
Some fraudsters will claim that:
- Your business listing is incorrect and needs urgent correction
- Your profile is invisible to customers
- Your business phone number is routing to a competitor
These claims are designed to create panic, making business owners more likely to comply with their demands.
How to Identify Scam Calls
Recognizing a scam call can help protect your business from fraud. Here are some key red flags to watch for:
🚩 They Claim to Work “With” or “For” Google
Google does not employ third-party companies to manage Business Profiles. Any caller claiming to be a Google partner offering ranking boosts or verification services is a scammer.
🚩 They Ask for Payment
Google Business Profile services, including adding, editing, and updating listings, are completely free. If a caller requests payment for these services, it is a scam.
🚩 They Request Sensitive Information
Google will never ask for passwords, social security numbers, verification codes, or any other private details over the phone.
🚩 They Create a Sense of Urgency
Scammers often use fear tactics to rush business owners into making quick decisions, such as threats to remove your listing or warnings of incorrect information damaging your visibility.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you suspect that a caller is impersonating Google, follow these steps:
- Hang Up Immediately – Do not engage, provide information, or press any numbers if prompted.
- Do Not Request Removal – Asking to be removed from their call list often results in more scam calls.
- Report the Call:
- To the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.
- To the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): File a complaint at www.fcc.gov/complaints.
- To Google: Use their official reporting form to report fraudulent activity.
- Educate Your Team – Inform employees about these scams so they do not accidentally provide scammers with sensitive business information.
- Use Call-Blocking Services – Consider using spam call-blocking apps or services to reduce the number of fraudulent calls you receive.
Preventing Scam Calls
While it’s nearly impossible to completely eliminate scam calls, you can take proactive steps to reduce their frequency:
- Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call Registry: In the U.S., visit www.donotcall.gov/register to register your phone number.
- Limit Public Sharing of Personal Contact Information: If possible, use a dedicated business number instead of your personal phone number for public listings.
- Enable Caller ID and Spam Filters: Many phone carriers and apps offer scam call protection and caller ID services to help screen fraudulent numbers.
Conclusion
As scammers become more sophisticated, it’s crucial for business owners to stay informed and vigilant. Google will never call to sell services, request payments, or ask for sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, report it, and educate your team to prevent falling victim to these scams.
At Magnet Marketing SEO, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their online presence safely and effectively. If you need assistance managing your Google Business Profile or improving your local SEO strategy, contact us today. Let’s work together to grow your business the right way!
