If you run a business, you’ve probably picked up the phone only to hear someone claiming to be from Google. Sometimes it’s a robot, sometimes it’s a real person, but the message is always urgent: something about your Google business listing needs to be fixed, updated, or paid for—right now. It’s stressful, confusing, and honestly, just plain annoying. These google business listing spam calls are getting more common every year, and scammers keep getting trickier. If you’re tired of the calls and worried about falling for a scam, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s really going on and how you can protect yourself in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Google won’t call to sell you listing services or threaten to remove your business profile.
• Most spam calls use scare tactics—like urgent messages or threats—to get your attention.
• Never share passwords, payment info, or sensitive data over the phone with unknown callers.
• You can block and report scam calls to both Google and the FTC for extra protection.
• Regularly check and secure your Google Business Profile to stay ahead of scammers.

What Are Google Business Listing Spam Calls?

Most business owners have answered a call from someone claiming they need to update or verify your Google Business listing. At first, these calls sound official. But very often, they’re anything but. Google Business Listing spam calls are phone scams where someone pretends to be Google, or acts like they’re working for Google, to get information or money from businesses.

These calls mess with everyone—big companies, small shops, mom-and-pop businesses. Just about anyone listed on Google can be a target. The goal? Usually, it’s to trick you into paying for services you don’t need, or to hand over sensitive information that could be used in harmful ways.

How These Scams Work

Here’s how the scam usually goes down:

• Your phone rings—sometimes it’s a robocall, sometimes a live person.
• The caller claims your Google listing is about to be removed, suspended, or needs updating.
• They push for urgent action. Sometimes it’s a request for payment, or for sensitive login info.
• They might use official-sounding language or claim to be “partners” with Google.
• In the worst cases, they ask for access to your business accounts or try to upsell pointless services.

Table: Common Tactics Used by Scammers

If the call feels off or pushes you to act fast or pay up, trust your gut—there’s a good chance it’s a scam.

Why Scammers Target Business Owners

It’s actually pretty simple:

1. Business info is easy to find online, thanks to public listings.
2. Many business owners rely on their Google presence to get customers, so they worry when someone says there’s a problem.
3. With so many incoming calls every day, it’s tough to tell a fake one from the real deal, especially for busy teams.

Scammers use this pressure—and the fact that most folks won’t double-check a call’s legitimacy—to their advantage. Some even try automated campaigns that reach thousands of numbers every day with minimal effort, similar to how some AI receptionists can automate legitimate tasks for businesses, as seen in this set of advanced features.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Don’t let these trip you up:

• “Google charges for listing management.” Nope—Google Business Profiles are free.
• “Google will call me out of the blue to update my listing.” Not unless you requested something, like phone verification.
• “If my listing isn’t perfect, it gets deleted.” Not true. Listings don’t ‘expire’ or get removed just because info needs changing.
• “Every call about Google must be official.” Scammers are known for copying official lingo and even spoofing phone numbers.

Taking a second to double-check these calls—by hanging up and reaching out to Google’s official support or reviewing your Business Profile—can save your business a ton of trouble down the line.

Red Flags: How to Spot Google Business Listing Spam Calls

Recognizing the warning signs of a Google Business Listing scam call is the difference between protecting your business and accidentally handing valuable info to a fraudster. Spotting the most common red flags can keep you one step ahead of scammers.

Recorded Messages and Robocalls

If you answer a call and hear a robot or a pre-recorded sales pitch, it’s an almost certain sign of a scam. Legitimate companies, including Google, don’t approach business owners this way.

• Robocalls use generic language, never mention your real business name, and push you to press a number or "talk to a representative."
• These calls often promise exclusive services or urgent help for your Google Business Profile.
• If you’re not expecting a call from Google and hear an automated pitch, end the call right away.

It’s common for scammers to use robocalls because they can reach thousands of businesses cheaply and easily. Your best defense is to hang up and block the number without interacting at all.

Demands for Payment or Sensitive Information

Any call demanding money to "protect" your listing, keep it active, or guarantee rankings is a red flag. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Requests for credit card numbers, bank info, or other payment details.
2. Asking you to reveal passwords or your full Google account login.
3. Pushing for immediate payment to avoid supposed penalties or to unlock "premium services."

Google never asks business owners for money to update, list, or keep their business on Google Maps. Their official support for businesses makes this clear.

Threats About Listing Removal or Suspension

Scam callers often play on fear, claiming your listing is "about to be removed," "suspended," or "flagged" unless you act quickly. These are empty threats meant to force you into action.

• They may warn you that your listing will disappear if you don’t pay or verify details immediately.
• Real Google support never threatens to delete your listing without a formal process and does not use phone calls for emergencies.
• Panic tactics are a huge giveaway you’re not dealing with an official source.

Claims of Working For or With Google

A favorite tactic is to pretend to be a "Google partner" or to claim they can guarantee your spot on Search or Maps. Don’t fall for it.

• Google doesn't outsource listing "protection" or "management" to other companies.
• No third party can "prioritize" your listing for a fee.
• Demands to "verify" your ownership with details over the phone should always raise suspicion.

Here's a handy checklist to help you quickly spot scam calls:

By staying alert for these signs and passing this info to your staff (especially anyone answering phones), you drastically lower your risk. If you want reliable, around-the-clock protection for customer calls, consider solutions like an AI receptionist that lets you focus on your business instead of worrying about scam calls.

Legitimate Google Calls vs. Scams: What’s the Difference?

If you pick up the phone and someone claims they’re from Google, it’s easy to wonder if it’s real or just another scam. So, how do you sort out the good from the bad? Here’s what to know about how authentic Google calls really work versus the tricks scammers use to fool you.

When Google Might Call You

Google doesn’t make random, surprise calls to pitch you paid services or fix your listing. Legit calls from Google always have a clear reason, and they never involve payments or scare tactics. You might hear from Google in the following situations:

• You’ve requested verification for your Google Business Profile (often an automated call with a unique PIN to enter online).
• Details for your business listing (like hours or services) need confirmation for Google Maps or Search users.
• There’s a support or customer service issue related to existing Google products you already use, like Google Ads.

Wondering how to track the performance of your phone lines while filtering out spam? AI-driven phone receptionists like AI-powered phone receptionist offer automated solutions to manage real and spam calls effectively.

Official Google Phone Numbers

It’s helpful to know what numbers can pop up if Google does call. Here’s a quick reference:

• Calls from numbers outside these or with hidden caller IDs—be on guard.
• Google’s automated calls will say up front that they’re from Google and the exact reason for the call.
• You won’t get unsolicited sales calls from Google’s automated systems.

Information Google Will Never Request

Legitimate Google reps will not ask for:

1. Payment or a fee to update or maintain your Google Business Profile. (These listings are always free.)
2. Your password, verification codes, or sensitive account details over the phone.
3. Commitment to services, paid listing management, or promises to boost your search ranking.

If you’re ever pressured to make a fast decision, pay money, or share personal info, it’s not Google—it’s almost certainly a scammer. Taking a minute to verify the call or just refusing to share information can save you serious trouble.

Keep in mind, scammers can spoof numbers and use high-pressure tactics. If something feels off, it probably is. Consider teaching your team about these differences, and try out call-handling solutions like White Label dorxata to reduce risk and track suspicious call patterns. Staying sharp about the way Google contacts businesses could make all the difference in keeping your listing (and your wallet) safe.

Tactics Used in Google Business Listing Spam Calls

Scammers keep coming up with new ways to trick business owners, and Google Business Listing spam calls are no different. If you own or manage a business, you may already be familiar with how sneaky and persistent these calls get—especially in 2025, as technology makes spoofing and robocalling easier and cheaper than ever. Let's break down how these scams are actually pulled off.

Urgency and Fear Tactics

One of the oldest tricks is creating a sense of urgency. You’ll often get a call and instantly hear something like "Your Google listing is about to be deleted," or "Immediate action is required to avoid suspension." This pressure gets people to act fast, sometimes before they stop to think. The goal is to scare you into giving out information or paying a fee on the spot.

Watch for these pressure cues:

• They threaten to remove your business from Google Search or Maps
• Claim your listing is already flagged or will disappear in 24 hours
• Insist you must "verify" something immediately over the phone
• Use phrases like "final notice," "urgent response needed," or "last warning"

When you feel rushed on a call, that's usually a sign you should hang up and double-check what's really going on.

Offering Listing Management Services

Some spam calls start out innocently—someone offers to "help" update your Google listing, add features, or boost your ranking for a price. They may promise premium placement, offer to "fix errors," or guarantee you'll show up first in search results. None of this is really possible through Google alone, and Google itself doesn't provide paid listing management services.

Here's a quick table showing what these scammers typically promise and the real story:

If you’re looking for legitimate ways to attract more customers online, try building a strong social media presence for connecting with your audience openly, instead of paying attention to cold callers.

Impersonation of Google Representatives

A big part of the playbook is pretending to be someone from Google. Callers might use official-sounding titles or drop vocabulary you’d associate with the Google brand. They sometimes spoof real Google phone numbers on caller ID to look more convincing.

Common ways they impersonate Google:

• Referencing "Google Business Support" or "Google My Business Team"
• Asking for your Google account login or sensitive business information
• Using scripts mentioning Google's latest security updates or policy changes

Keep in mind:

• Google doesn't call out of the blue to sell management services
• Real representatives don’t ask for passwords, full verification codes, or payment over the phone
• Be wary of anyone who can't provide specific, verifiable information about your business or account

Always stop and think before giving out any information—especially if the person on the line is eager for quick action. Most scam tactics count on confusion or stress to get you to make a rushed decision.

Staying on guard for these tactics makes it much harder for scammers to succeed. Once you know what to look for, most of these calls get a lot easier to spot—and avoid.

Why Do Scammers Target Google Business Listings?

Scammers are always looking for new angles to make a quick buck, and Google Business Listings have become one of their favorite hunting grounds. The reasons behind this trend are a mix of easy opportunities, big payout potential, and the visibility that Google offers for local businesses. Let’s look at why these scams are everywhere and how they have become such a headache for business owners.

Easy Access to Public Business Information

One of the main reasons scammers find Google Business Listings so appealing is how easy it is to get the details they need. Business names, phone numbers, addresses, and even business categories are available right in search results. Scammers can

• Scrape massive lists of businesses using automated tools
• Target thousands of businesses in a short amount of time
• Use public info to appear more legitimate on the phone

A fake caller doesn't need much effort to sound convincing with all this data readily available. The ease of access means scammers can blanket call entire industries in a single day.

Potential for Monetary Gain

There's a clear profit motive behind these scams. Many business owners worry about their reputation or ranking and will pay up to avoid trouble. Scammers dangle threats or fake benefits to convince owners to fork over money for bogus services like “listing optimization” or “urgent verification.”

Here’s why the payoff is good enough to keep scammers in business:

• The scam can be run with virtually no cost except for time.
• Average payments range from a few dollars to hundreds per target.
• The process is easily automated, so scammers can hit a massive scale fast.

Most businesses just want to protect their online reputation, so they’re vulnerable when a caller claims something is wrong with their listing. A little panic can open wallets.

Manipulation of Local Search Results

Scammers aren’t just chasing money; some want to rig Google’s local search system. By taking control of listings or creating fake profiles, they can:

• Boost shady businesses higher in search by flooding Google with fake info
• Knock out legitimate competition with negative actions
• Create or hijack listings to redirect customers to their own business

There have even been cases of fake reviews, fraudulent changes in business categories, and duplicate listings flooding the map. The simplicity of manipulating local results is what attracts bad actors and shady competitors alike.

If you run a professional real estate agency or any other local business, the risk is even higher since visibility online is so fundamental to attracting more clients.

In short, Google Business Listings have become a magnet for scammers because they’re public, profitable, and easy to abuse. Business owners need to stay alert, educate their teams, and protect their listings from these ongoing threats.

How to Prevent Google Business Listing Spam Calls

Making sure your business doesn’t keep getting hit with spam calls about your Google listing isn’t complicated. The reality? These calls waste time, disrupt your day, and can lead to real problems if someone on your team falls for a scam. Here’s what actually helps:

Educate Your Team About Scams

• Teach your staff the warning signs of fake Google calls. Don’t just assume people will spot a scam—review the most common tactics together.
• Make sure every employee knows: Google never asks for payment or logins by phone.
• Update everyone if you spot a new scam pattern, since scammers get creative.

Sharing real examples in your team meetings helps everyone understand what to expect, so they don’t get caught off guard.

Secure Your Google Business Profile

• Claim and verify your business listing yourself through Google’s official site. Only authorized people should have access.
• Set up strong, unique passwords for your profile. Turn on two-factor authentication where possible.
• Check who has account access and remove former employees or unnecessary users.

Table: Security Must-Haves for Your Google Business Profile

Utilize Call Blocking and Spam Detection Tools

• Register business and personal numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Use your carrier’s built-in spam blocking features to flag suspicious calls.
• Try third-party apps or services that filter robocalls and keep logs for reference.
• Some platforms even let you automate call tracking and recording—useful for reviewing suspicious calls if needed. Companies like Outbound AI provide options to track phone activity and catch questionable numbers.

Quick List: How to Limit Spam Calls

1. Sign up all business lines for the Do Not Call list.
2. Block suspicious numbers and save them as contacts labeled ‘Scam’ on your phone system.
3. Report numbers that keep calling to the FTC and Google support so they get flagged faster.

Spam calls aren’t going away, but with the right habits and tools, you can avoid the bulk of the junk and keep your team focused on real customers.

Action Steps If You Receive a Google Listing Spam Call

If your phone rings and the person on the other end claims to be from Google—especially if they're aggressive or ask for sensitive info—what you do next really matters. It's easy to get flustered, but staying calm and following a simple checklist can spare you headaches or worse down the road.

Do Not Share Sensitive Data

Never share passwords, financial details, or verification codes on any unexpected call, no matter how legitimate it sounds. Scammers may pressure you for payment, login credentials, or even try to get you to "verify" your identity with a code sent to your phone. Hang up if they ask for anything private.

Hang Up and Document the Call

It might sound abrupt, but it's the best move—just hang up. Don’t press menu options or try to argue with the caller. Before you forget, jot down details about the call:

• Phone number displayed (even if you suspect it's spoofed)
• Name or company claimed by the caller
• Any phrases or threats they used
• Additional contact info or emails, if provided

Storing these details helps you report the scam accurately.

Report the Call to the FTC and Google

Don’t just chalk it up to bad luck—reporting helps stop future scams. You can:

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov
• Report directly to Google using their scam report webform, including as much detail as possible
• Contact your phone carrier to explore blocking or filtering options

These calls can feel invasive, even threatening, but you're not powerless. Taking action right away—with a hang-up, documentation, and a quick report—prevents more attacks and helps protect other business owners too.

For businesses needing steady hands on the phone—and to help weed out these spam calls automatically—consider tools like AI receptionist plans that let you control who gets through, even outside business hours. Staying aware and ready to act will make these scam attempts feel like a minor annoyance instead of a big problem.

Reporting and Blocking Google Business Listing Spam Calls

No matter how careful you are, spam callers keep finding ways to harass businesses about their Google listings. Learning how to report and block these unwanted calls gives you the upper hand and helps cut back on interruptions. Let’s look at the steps you can take right now.

Registering on the Do Not Call List

Take a few minutes to register your business’ phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry. Here’s what you can do:

• Visit donotcall.gov and sign up your landlines and cell phones.
• Call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to register if you prefer phone registration.
• Registration is free and reduces some telemarketing calls, though not all scammers follow the rules.

A quick note: Scam callers may ignore the Do Not Call list, but every little bit helps. Staying registered means you have one more layer of protection, and it’s always worth doing.

Using Carrier and App-Based Blocking

Most mobile providers and many business phone systems offer features to block suspicious or spam calls. Here’s what typically works well:

• Turn on built-in call blocking or spam protection in your phone settings.
• Ask your carrier about advanced features that flag or block high-risk calls (like those marked “Scam Likely”).
• Download reputable call blocking apps for additional filtering and reporting.

You could also consider investing in a tech solution like a 24/7 AI receptionist, which can handle, screen, and log calls for you. Check out AI receptionist options if you want to stop spam calls from interrupting your operations.

Filing Complaints with Authorities

Don’t just ignore these calls—reporting them helps track and stop scammers:

1. Report fake Google calls directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website or at 1-888-382-1222.
2. Submit Google-specific scam reports using the Google Business Profile complaint form.
3. Keep records—jot down call times, caller IDs, and what was said. Some apps and AI receptionist software will log suspicious calls for you automatically.

Taking the time to report spam calls after you block them can help reduce the impact on your business and the wider community.

Spam calls are a nuisance, but you do have options to fight back. With tools and regular reporting, you help make it tougher for scammers and keep your business phone lines open for real customers.

How to Keep Your Google Business Listing Safe

Protecting your Google Business Profile isn’t something you do once and forget. The safety of your listing depends on regular attention and a few smart habits. Here’s how you can keep things in check and stop both scammers and accidental mistakes from messing up your online presence.

Regularly Update and Verify Your Listing

Keeping your business details fresh on Google is a must, not just for your customers but also to prevent your profile from falling into the wrong hands:

• Check your business information (hours, phone number, address) at least once a month.
• Update changes immediately—don’t let old info linger, it can cause confusion or let someone else suggest inaccurate edits.
• Make sure your profile is verified and tied to a secure Google account.
• Periodically review who has access and remove former employees or outside agencies when relationships end.
• If you’ve not claimed your profile yet, do it now to prevent someone else from doing it first.

Attention to detail on your listing helps you avoid a lot of headaches down the road. It’s a small commitment that pays off in trust and search visibility.

Monitor Edits and Suggestions

Google lets people suggest edits to business profiles—sometimes it's helpful, but you’ll want to keep an eye out for bad suggestions. Stay alert by:

• Logging into your Business Profile weekly to check for notifications about pending edits.
• Reviewing recent changes summarized in your account dashboard.
• Setting up email alerts so you’re always notified when someone recommends an edit or review.

Here’s a quick breakdown of possible edits and how often to check:

If something looks wrong, you can reject changes or edit them directly. Don’t ignore notifications—fix them while they’re fresh.

Identify and Flag Fake or Duplicate Listings

False or duplicate listings create confusion, damage your reputation, and can undermine your local search visibility. Cleaning these up is good for both your customers and your bottom line. What you can do:

1. Search your business name on Google and Maps to spot suspicious duplicates or "virtual office" addresses.
2. Use the Google Business support tools to report any listings that use your details but aren’t actually yours.
3. Watch for sudden jumps in fake reviews or odd business categories. These could be signs of sabotage or listing spam.

If you want to see how consistent monitoring supports credibility, check out the advice on keeping your web development business site in shape—regular maintenance and updates aren’t just for websites, they’re vital for listings too (detailed contact and project forms).

• Don’t ignore spam or fake listings—flag and report them as soon as you find them.
• Make sure only one correct listing is shown for each real location.
• Encourage colleagues to keep you informed if they spot anything off online.

Being proactive with updates, edits, and monitoring is the best way to protect your brand from scammers and unintentional errors. If you care about your business, it’s worth the effort to keep your information accurate and safe.

Recognizing Other Forms of Google Business Scams

Google business scams don't always come in the form of spam calls. Some are way more subtle and happen right on your profile—without you even noticing for a while. Here are a few of the most common forms you really need to watch out for in 2025.

Fake Reviews and Review Gating

A lot of scammers will post fake reviews—sometimes positive to boost a fake business, but often negative to tear down real competitors. Businesses have also been caught filtering which customers can leave reviews; this is called review gating, and it's against Google's policies.

• Fake reviews can artificially boost or hurt your reputation.
• Review gating (screening customers to only allow positive reviews) leads to misleading feedback for other users.
• Never pay for reviews or use a service that promises to 'clean up' your reputation through shady means.

If your online reputation seems to change overnight or you notice suspicious review patterns, it's probably not a coincidence—stay alert and flag them in your profile settings.

Category and Address Manipulation

Some competitors or scammers suggest edits so your business gets miscategorized or listed in the wrong location. For example, suddenly your bakery shows up as a law office, confusing customers and Google’s ranking system. Here's why this happens:

1. Makes it harder for real customers to find you
2. Pushes competitors’ listings higher
3. Breaks trust with your actual customer base

Always double-check profile updates and alerts from Google and reject incorrect changes fast.

Keyword-Stuffed or Imitation Listings

You'll see listings using names overloaded with search keywords, like “Top Discount Used Cars Dallas TX,” even if that's not their real operating name. Others make near-copycat profiles to siphon your customers by pretending to be you or a different location.

• These listings can push authentic businesses down in search
• Confuse customers and waste your leads
• Report obviously fake, duplicate, or keyword-stuffed listings through Google Maps or Business Profile

It's worth having a regular scan of your local market and reporting suspicious listings. To grow stronger in the marketplace, look to strategic partnerships and focus on authentic business practices. Block fake tactics before they cause long-term damage.

What to Expect from Google in 2025: Scam Prevention Updates

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for keeping business owners safer from Google listing scams. Google is finally taking some decisive steps to fight back against the wave of spam and scam calls hitting businesses across the US. From stricter enforcement to smarter tools, here’s what you can look forward to this year.

New Policies and Legal Actions

• Google has rolled out updated policies aimed right at scammers impersonating their representatives.
• There’s an increased focus on legal takedowns, including more lawsuits against firms making fake robocalls.
• Faster response from Google for reporting scam calls—expect shorter turnaround times when you flag suspicious activity.

Here’s a quick overview of new enforcement stats:

Automated Safeguards for Businesses

• Launch of real-time scam call detection for verified Google Business Profile users.
• Businesses will get in-app alerts if a suspicious caller claims to be with Google.
• Stronger systems check for unauthorized listing changes or suspicious profile access attempts.

Short list of what these automated protections include:

• Scam-call blocking directly in Google Business Profile dashboard.
• Email and SMS alerts for any unexpected changes to your listing.
• Quarantine feature for suspicious edits or management requests.

Improved Reporting and Communication Tools

• Google is offering expanded tools for businesses to report scam calls, now available from both desktop and mobile.
• There’s a one-click reporting option for robocalls, plus an updated webform to track the progress of your complaint.
• Expect new communication features that let you receive official Google notices right inside your dashboard—no more worrying about phishing emails.

In 2025, business owners can finally expect more help—from real-time alerts to faster takedowns—so scam callers have a harder time causing trouble. These changes put you back in control of your own business listing and peace of mind.

Building a Secure and Authentic Local Presence Online

Maintaining a trustworthy Google Business Profile is about more than just dodging spammers. It's the sum of every detail you put into your online presence and every interaction you have with customers. Below, you'll find specific steps and habits that make your business look real to both Google and your customers—while guarding against imposters.

Focusing on Real SEO Strategies

SEO isn't about cramming the keyword "best pizza Boston" ten times into your business description. It's about clarity, honesty, and serving real information.

• Complete every part of your Google Business Profile: hours, contact info, services, and attributes.
• Use natural, helpful descriptions—avoid stuffing keywords. Focus on what makes your business unique.
• Keep your categories accurate; check every few months for strange changes.
• Audit your website’s basic SEO: clear navigation, up-to-date service pages, and accurate business info across all platforms.

Encouraging Authentic Customer Engagement

Getting real reviews and feedback is much better than chasing perfect ratings with artificial means.

• Ask every genuine customer to leave an honest review on Google—no incentives, just a simple request.
• Respond to all reviews, both good and bad, in a polite and honest tone.
• Avoid review “gating”—never ask customers to only leave a review if they promise it’s positive.
• Share updates with customers using Google Posts: events, new services, or team milestones.

Monitoring and Responding to Suspicious Activity

Even with good habits, things can go sideways. Don't assume everything's fine just because complaints are rare.

1. Check your Google Business Profile weekly for unauthorized edits or odd new reviews.
2. Set up Google Alerts for your business name and common misspellings.
3. Flag and report reviews, edits, or listings that look fake or harmful.
4. Keep a record of any unusual activity, just in case you need to share it with Google or law enforcement.

The small, steady work of managing your business listing and customer interactions is what separates the trusted businesses from the rest. It's less about fancy tricks—and more about caring for the basics every week.

Making sure your business looks real and safe online is important. Even small details can help people trust your company. Want to build your own secure presence on the web? Visit our website today and see how easy it is to get started!

Conclusion

Dealing with Google business listing spam calls is just part of running a business these days. Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, and honestly, it can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. But if you keep your business info up to date, know what a real Google call sounds like, and don’t give out sensitive details over the phone, you’re already ahead of most people. Block the obvious spam numbers, report the worst offenders, and don’t be afraid to hang up if something feels off. Staying alert and a little skeptical goes a long way. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s just about protecting what you’ve built. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember there are tools and people out there who can help you keep your business safe from these scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a call about my Google business listing is a scam?

Scam calls often use recorded messages, ask for payments, or threaten to remove your listing. If someone says they work for Google but asks for sensitive information or money, it's likely a scam.

Does Google ever call businesses about their listings?

Yes, but only for things like verifying your business hours or information. Google will never call to sell you listing services or ask for payment to keep your business online.

What should I do if I get a suspicious call claiming to be from Google?

Hang up right away. Do not share any personal or business information. Write down the caller’s number and details, then report the call to the FTC and Google.

How can I block or reduce spam calls about my Google listing?

You can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, block numbers on your phone, and use spam-blocking apps. These steps can help cut down on unwanted calls.

Can someone remove or change my Google business listing without my permission?

If your listing is not claimed and verified, it’s easier for scammers or competitors to make changes. Always claim and secure your Google Business Profile to keep it safe.

What kind of information will Google never ask for over the phone?

Google will never ask for your password, payment info, or social security number over the phone. If someone asks for these, it’s a scam.

How do I report a fake Google business listing call?

You can report scam calls to the FTC at donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222. Also, use Google’s online complaint form to report violations.

Are there other types of Google business scams I should watch out for?

Yes. Besides fake calls, watch for fake reviews, businesses with keyword-stuffed names, and listings using fake addresses. Regularly check your profile and report anything suspicious.