There is a discrepancy on your Google My Business page. We are calling about your Google account. Most likely you have or will receive a phone call that starts just like that. Is it legit? Does Google ever call you directly?
Here is what Google says:
Protecting against fraudulent callsAs a business owner, you can receive many types of phone calls, including some from automated systems. They range from unsolicited recorded robocalls (which are often scams), to conversational systems that perform a task on behalf of a single user (like booking an appointment). This article will help you understand the difference between trusted automated systems and scams.
There are a few circumstances where you may receive a call from someone who claims to be from Google. Here’s how to identify whether it’s a real call from Google or from a possible scammer:
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make fraudulent and misleading calls. Sometimes, callers or pre-recorded robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.
Many of these types of calls are not allowed under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them.
Here’s what to do if you receive an unwanted automated robocall from a non-Google entity:
If you're in the US and continue to receive unwanted calls, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
To file a formal complaint, go to
or call
1-888-382-1222.
You can also submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.
If you receive an unwanted call from someone who claims to be Google or working with Google, feel free to hang up at any time. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may lead to more unwanted calls.
Google understands these types of calls can be bothersome. We are committed to doing our part to try to put a stop to these calls. However, this isn’t always within our control; for example, many of these callers use untraceable phone numbers and other cloaking tactics.
Help us track calls that falsely associate themselves with Google. Contact us directly via our webform and include the following information:
Source: Google
Check out these helpful articles:
Why Successful Business Verify Their Google Page.
Using Google My Business as a Lead Generation Tool
How To Create A Post On Google My Business
How To Set Up Messaging On Your Google My Business Page
How did they get your phone number?
Congrats! Your marketing is working. Your phone number is visible on your website and/or your Google My Business page. This is a good thing. But as is the case with most good things, it comes at a price. The price is the annoying scammers.
In addition to these types of calls we have the infamous robo-call. You would think the National Do Not Call Registry would solve this problem. Think again. The Federal Trade Commission- FTC- receives 19,000 complaints daily from people who are on the list and still get called. Obviously being on the list does not help.
Pay attention to the language. Most of these scammers will imply they are working with Google or on Google's authority. Here are some tips to detect a fraudulent call.
Remember, your Google My Business listing is FREE. You can update your information for FREE at anytime.
The FTC is currently involved in litigation against these types of scams. You may want to read Google is not calling you by the FTC.
Here is a list of some Google scams:
Check out our Google My Business page for step by step instructions on claiming and managing your Google My Business page.