The digital age has brought unparalleled opportunities for businesses – but unfortunately, it’s also given rise to a whole new wave of scams. Previously, we’ve discussed SEO scams, but now there’s been an alarming increase in calls from scammers pretending to be from Google.
These calls can be pretty convincing, but we’re here to help you distinguish between what’s genuine and what’s not. Let’s start by exploring some common tactics used by scammers, and how you can protect yourself and your business.
1: “Emergency Issue” With Your Profile
One of the most common tactics used by scammers is to create a false sense of urgency to manipulate their victims. For example, they might claim there’s an emergency issue with your Google Business Profile that requires immediate attention, suggesting that failure to act quickly could result in dire consequences for your online presence.
These callers often employ high-pressure tactics to make you feel anxious and rushed. During the conversation, they may ask for sensitive information, such as your password, or even request payment to supposedly fix the problem.
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- Tip: Google will never ask for your password or demand payment over the phone. Always verify the identity of anyone requesting your information before you give them anything.
2: Takedown Threats
Some scammers take a more aggressive approach right out of the gate, employing tactics that involve threatening to take down your Google Business Profile unless you pay them a sum of money. This kind of intimidation can be very unsettling, especially for small business owners who rely heavily on their online presence for attracting customers.
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- Tip: Legitimate companies typically do not operate this way, and genuine Google representatives will not threaten you or demand money to keep your profile active.
Photo by Rahul Himkar
3: Demands for Paid Services
Another red flag indicating a potential scam is when callers claim to be representatives from Google and request payment to make changes or updates to your business listing. It’s important to remember that Google does not charge any fees for maintaining or updating your Google Business Profile. Again, scammers will often use urgent language to drum up pressure and trick you into handing over your personal information or money.
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- Tip: If someone demands payment for these kinds of services, they’re not affiliated with Google.
- Tip: Always double-check with official Google resources if you have any doubts about requests for information or money.
4: False Third-Party Representatives
Google does work with some third-party partners and resellers – but if someone claims to be working as a third-party contractor for Google, be particularly wary if they request sensitive information, like passwords or social security numbers. Legitimate Google representatives will never ask for this kind of data.
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- Tip: When in doubt, it’s best to contact Google directly through official channels for clarification.
What to Do if You Receive Scam Calls
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take if you receive a suspicious call. First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm and not engage with the caller.
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- Take note of the caller’s number and any details they provide. This information can be helpful later.
- Consider blocking the number on your phone to avoid future calls from the same source.
- Report it to Google using their support page for handling complaints about third-party misrepresentations.
- Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls.
- File a Complaint with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) if you’re receiving persistent scam calls.
Protecting Your Business
In today’s world (both real and digital), security is more important than ever. Protecting your Google Business Profile from scammers is crucial to maintaining your business’s integrity and reputation. Being informed and cautious can go a long way in safeguarding your personal information and peace of mind.
If you subscribe to our Local Search Optimization service, and you’re not sure if you’re dealing with a scammer or a legitimate company, feel free to share our number with them, and we’ll handle it on your behalf. We’ve offered this service to our customers for years, and I can tell you, we don’t get many calls. This is partly because scammers know we will vet them out.
Smart Link Solutions can assist you in navigating these challenges, ensuring your business profile remains secure and effective. For 30 years, we’ve been helping businesses thrive online with cutting-edge digital marketing services, including: reputation management, paid search advertising, social media, and more!
To learn more, call 866 – 757 – 5100 or visit Smart Link Solutions today!
Photo by Lindsay Jayne