What these calls sound like
The script changes, but the hooks stay the same. If you hear any of these, you are not talking to Google:
- "Your listing will be marked permanently closed unless you act today."
- "Press one to speak with a Google specialist."
- "We work with Google" or "we are calling on behalf of Google."
- "We can guarantee you the top spot on Google Maps."
- A text with a link asking you to sign in and confirm your business.
Google lists these exact patterns as fraud on its own help page: callers who claim to work "with Google" or "for Google," callers who ask you to press buttons, and texts from unverified accounts that ask for personal or financial information.
What Google actually does
Google does make some calls. They are automated, they come from Google's own numbers, and they are short. A typical one confirms your hours or details for Maps. Google says these calls identify themselves and tell you the call is recorded to help improve Google services.
In some countries Google also sends texts or WhatsApp messages to confirm profile details. Those come only from verified accounts with a blue checkmark.
What Google says it does not do:
- Ask for payment information over the phone.
- Guarantee you a special spot in Search or Maps.
- Require you to sign up for a service or pay money on one of these calls.
- Ask for private or sensitive information by text.
This is not new
In 2018 the FTC went after a Florida operation that robocalled small businesses with this exact pitch. The calls warned that Google would mark businesses "permanently closed" and told owners to press one. Owners who did were charged $300 to $700 to "claim and verify" a listing they could have claimed for free, then pitched first-page placement for $949.99 up front plus a monthly fee. A federal court froze the company's assets.
In 2022 Google sued a group that impersonated Google on telemarketing calls and tried to charge business owners for Business Profiles. Google's own words on that case: profiles are "a service we provide for free."
What to do when one calls
- Hang up. Do not press any buttons. Pressing a number often marks you as a live line and brings more calls.
- Never give out a code. If someone asks you to read back a code Google texted or emailed you, that code is the key to your profile. Do not share it.
- Check your profile yourself. Search your business name on Google while signed in, or go to business.google.com. If something really needs attention, you will see it there.
- Report it. You can report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If you already paid, call your bank or card company and dispute the charge.
How a legitimate helper works
A real local SEO or web person who helps with your profile does not need your Google password. You add them as a manager inside your profile, where you can see them and remove them any time. You stay the owner. If someone insists on your login, or wants to be the owner of your listing, that is a red flag even if they are not a scammer.
If your profile really is stuck, the usual causes are boring: information that does not match across the web, an address problem, or a verification that was never finished. Those are fixable, and none of them need a stranger on the phone. Here are the four most common reasons a business does not show up on Google.
Common questions
Does Google charge for a Business Profile?
No. A Google Business Profile is free. Google calls it a service it provides for free.
Does Google ever call businesses?
Yes. Google makes automated calls from its own numbers to confirm details like hours. Those calls identify themselves and never ask for payment.
Someone already charged me. What now?
Call your bank or card company and dispute the charge, then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Not sure what you have or what you need? Tell me what you are trying to do and I will give you a straight answer, not a sales pitch.