Google Business Profile scam calls: how to tell if Google is really calling

Almost every business with a Google listing gets these calls. A recording or a fast talking caller says your Google listing is about to be removed, that it isn't verified, or that you need to pay to stay at the top of Google Maps. Most of these calls are scams. This post explains what they usually sound like, how to tell a real Google call from a fake one, and what to do when you get one.

Google Business Profile is free

A Google Business Profile doesn't cost anything to create, verify or keep. Google says that when it contacts you, you won't be asked to sign up for a service, pay money or give personal information. A caller who asks for a payment to keep your listing active, to verify it, or to move it up in the results isn't calling from Google.

What the scam calls usually say

• Your listing will be removed or suspended unless you act today.
• Your business isn't verified, and they can verify it for a fee.
• They can guarantee you a top spot on Google Maps.
• They're calling on behalf of Google about your account.
• Press 1 to speak with a Google specialist.

Google says the people behind these calls often claim to work with Google or for Google, and they use that claim to sell marketing services. In 2022 Google took legal action against a group that charged small businesses for Business Profiles, which are free.

When Google does call

Google does place some calls to businesses. According to Google, it may call to check your business information on Google Maps, make a reservation, confirm the price and availability of a service, or schedule an appointment. On a real call you'll hear that the call is from Google and why it's calling. Google says it will never ask for payment information over the phone and will never ask for private or sensitive information.

How to check whether a call is real

• Don't share payment details, passwords or codes with anyone who calls you, even if they know your business name and address. That information is public.
• Hang up and check the profile yourself. Sign in at business.google.com, or search your business name on Google while you're signed in. If there's a real problem with your profile, you'll see it there.
• Be careful with verification codes. A code is how a profile gets verified, and some callers ask for one so they can take control of the listing. If you receive a code you didn't request, don't read it to anyone.
• Check who manages your profile. If you see an owner or manager you don't recognize, remove them. Our post on adding a manager to your Google Business Profile shows where to find that list.

How to report the calls

In the United States, Google recommends reporting suspicious calls to the FTC at donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222, and forwarding suspicious texts to 7726. You can also report callers who pretend to be Google through the webform linked from Google's help page on fraudulent calls. Reporting won't stop the calls right away, but it helps the FTC and Google track the people making them.

If someone already paid

If you or an employee paid one of these callers, contact your bank or card company about disputing the charge. Then change the password on the Google account that manages your profile, review the list of managers, and check that your hours, phone number and website are still correct. If the profile was changed or suspended, our guide to a suspended Google Business Profile covers the next steps.

Who should contact you about your profile

The only people who should contact you about your Google Business Profile are Google, for the reasons above, or a company you hired to manage it. SiteHike manages Google Business Profiles for clients as a manager on the profile, and we never ask for your Google password. You can read how that works on our Google Business Profile page.