Scam library · Small business · Phone calls
Google Business Profile verification scam call
A robocall or caller says they're from 'Google Business Services' and that your business listing will be marked as closed or removed from search unless you verify it today. Press 1, or pay a fee, to keep it.
Google doesn't charge to create, claim or verify a Google Business Profile, and it doesn't make unsolicited calls threatening to remove your listing.
What the message looks like
From: Automated call from (313) 555-0162
This is a final notice from Google Business Services. Your business listing has not been verified and will be marked as permanently closed.
Press 1 now to speak to a Google specialist and verify your listing.
How this scam works
These callers sell overpriced 'SEO packages' or simply take a one-time 'verification' payment and disappear. Some ask for your Google account login, then take control of your listing and hold it for ransom or change the phone number to their own.
Robocalls often use urgent wording like 'final notice' and spoof local numbers. Live callers may know your business name and address because that information is public.
Small businesses depend on map listings for customers, so the threat feels real. That's why the scam works.
Some companies do offer legitimate marketing help, but a real agency won't pretend to be Google or threaten your listing. If you want help, pick a firm yourself, check reviews and never hand over your Google password. You can add a manager to your profile instead, and remove them later.
Red flags
- A caller claiming to be from Google about your listing.
- 'Final notice' or threats that your business will be removed or marked closed.
- A fee to verify, protect or rank your listing.
- Requests for your Google account password or a code sent to you.
- Guaranteed first-page rankings.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check your profile yourself by signing in at business.google.com.
- Remember that Google Business Profile is free.
- Never give a caller your Google password or a verification code.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up. Don't press any buttons. Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you paid by card, call your card issuer to dispute the charge.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared your login or a code, change your password, turn on two-step verification and check the managers listed on your profile.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear calls. But when a caller sends you to a website or an email invoice, Scam Guard checks it, spots fake 'Google' pages and warns before you pay or sign in. If something about your listing seems urgent and legit, get a scam expert's opinion first.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does Google charge for a business listing?
- No. Creating and verifying a Google Business Profile is free.
- Does Google call businesses?
- Google may sometimes contact businesses, but it won't threaten removal or demand payment to verify.
- Someone else controls my listing. What do I do?
- Use Google's ownership request process from business.google.com.
- Should I press 1 to opt out of these calls?
- No. Pressing buttons confirms your number is active and can lead to more calls. Just hang up.