Small business owners are increasingly targeted by scammers posing as representatives from Google My Business (GMB). These scammers often employ deceptive tactics to trick business owners into divulging sensitive information or paying for unnecessary services.
How the Scam Works:
- The Call: You receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Google My Business. They may mention minor issues with your listing, offer to improve your search engine ranking, or claim your business is in danger of being removed from Google Maps.
- The Pressure: The caller may use high-pressure tactics, creating a sense of urgency and implying that immediate action is required to avoid negative consequences.
- The Request: The scammer will often request sensitive information such as your Google My Business login credentials, personal information, or payment details. They may also attempt to guide you through a process that grants them access to your account.
Common Scams:
- “Maintenance Fees”: Scammers may claim you need to pay a fee to maintain your Google My Business listing, even though it’s a free service.
- “Premium Listings”: They may offer to upgrade your listing to a “premium” version for a fee, promising higher search rankings, which is not a legitimate Google service.
- “Urgent Action Required”: Scammers may falsely claim your business is facing suspension or removal from Google Maps unless you take immediate action.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Calls: Google does not typically make unsolicited sales calls regarding your Google My Business listing.
- Never Share Login Credentials: Never share your Google My Business login credentials with anyone over the phone.
- Verify the Caller’s Identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Google, independently verify their identity by contacting Google My Business support directly through official channels.
- Do Not Pay for Services Not Offered by Google: Google does not charge for basic Google My Business listings or for maintaining your listing.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Report any suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Google My Business support.
Remember:
- Google will never ask you to pay for a basic Google My Business listing.
- Google will never request your login credentials in an unsolicited call.
- If you are unsure about a call, hang up and contact Google My Business support directly.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from these scams and maintain control over your Google My Business listing.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.
