In today’s digital landscape, Google is a vital component of any successful marketing strategy. From optimizing keywords on your website to increasing customer engagement, leveraging this search engine is essential for business owners.
One powerful tool for enhancing customer awareness and engagement is Google Business Profiles (formerly known as Google My Business) — a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Maps. However, despite its advantages, scammers continue to exploit this solution, targeting unsuspecting business owners for their nefarious purposes. In this blog post, we will explore how these types of scams work, how to identify fake Google calls, and where to find legitimate information about Google Business Profiles.
How Google Business Profile Scams Work
Scammers may contact business owners via telephone, pretending to be associated with Google and offering assistance with setting up or removing their Google Business Profile page. These fraudsters often target smaller businesses that may not have claimed their Google Business Page or updated it recently.
Their typical modus operandi involves requesting payment and making false promises of boosting search rankings or optimizing your page. Another common scam tactic involves threatening the removal of your Google Business Profile unless a fee is paid, once again, under the pretense of working “with” or “for” Google.
Identifying Fake Calls
You may rightfully be asking “Why do I keep getting calls about my Google listing?” or “Does Google call to verify my business?”
While Google can and does contact you, it follows strict security protocols. By familiarizing yourself with these measures and key indicators, you can protect your business from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Here are some essential reminders and tips to help you identify fake calls and safeguard your business.
Services Are Free
Always remember that setting up and maintaining your Google Business Profile is completely free. As a business owner, you have the freedom to edit information, respond to reviews, and add photos to your page without incurring any charges. Therefore, if someone calls your business claiming that you need to pay a fee to update or maintain your page, it is undoubtedly a scam.
Ask for Employee Verification
When in doubt about the authenticity of a caller claiming to be a Google representative, don’t hesitate to ask for employee verification. Genuine Google representatives should be able to provide you with their employee verification information upon request. If they cannot provide this, it’s a clear indication that you’re not speaking with a legitimate Google employee.
Don’t Give Personal Information
A major red flag signaling a scam is when the person on the phone starts asking for personal information, such as passwords, verification codes, or payment details. Google representatives will never request such sensitive information over the phone. If the caller asks for any personal or financial data, it’s a strong indication that they are trying to deceive you.
Be Mindful of ID Spoofing
Scammers often employ a technique called caller ID spoofing, which allows them to manipulate the information displayed on your caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate Google number. Keep in mind that caller ID information can be faked, so don’t solely rely on the displayed number as an indicator of legitimacy.
Educate Your Staff
Ensure that all employees in your organization are aware of the potential scams and trained to recognize and handle suspicious calls. Conduct regular training sessions to educate them about the latest scam techniques and provide clear guidelines on how to respond and report any suspicious activity.
Report Scams
If you encounter a scam or receive a suspicious call, report it to the appropriate authorities. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Moreover, inform Google about the fraudulent activity by reporting it through their official channels. This helps raise awareness and enables action against scammers.
No Third Party Involved
Does Google call to verify your business? The answer is yes. However, Google does not employ third-party contractors to work directly with customers. All customer care and support services are handled internally by Google employees. Therefore, if someone claims to be calling “with,” “on behalf of,” or “for” Google, implying they are a third-party vendor, it’s a clear indication that they are not associated with the real Google.
If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Google or working with Google, it’s best to hang up immediately. Avoid pressing any keys, even if prompted by a voice recording to speak with a live person or be taken off their call list. Pressing a key may inadvertently lead to more unwanted calls.
Where To Find Legitimate Information
To avoid falling victim to a Google business profile verification scam, you should rely on credible sources for information about Google My Business. The official Google for Business website is the primary resource for accurate and up-to-date information about managing your business profile on Google. Moreover, the Google Business Profile Help Center provides detailed guidance and answers to frequently asked questions.
Final Thoughts
As a business owner, it’s essential to be aware of potential scams targeting Google Business users. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your business from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
Remember, setting up and maintaining your Google Business Profile is free, and genuine Google representatives will never ask for personal information or request payment over the phone. If you receive suspicious calls, follow the tips provided in this article and rely on official Google resources for accurate information. Safeguarding your business’s online presence is paramount, so stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.
Sources:
- https://support.google.com/business/answer/6212928?hl=en#:~:text=Google%20does%20not%20make%20unsolicited,on%20behalf%20of%20Google%20users.
- https://www.google.com/intl/en_ph/business/
- https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing
- https://www.ftc.gov/
- https://localiq.com/blog/google-my-business-call-scam/
- https://www.the3marketers.com/google-business-listing-scam-call/
- https://asmmdigital.com/blog/google-listings-scams
- https://www.prospectgenius.com/blog/7-signs-that-call-from-google-is-a-scam/
- https://support.google.com/business/answer/6212928?hl=en
- https://www.google.com/business/
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