Kirsten Johnson, Founder of Reverie
Have you received a phone call claiming your Google business listing is about to expire? Maybe the caller says your business will disappear from Google Maps unless you make an immediate payment.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone!
We've recently heard from several business owners receiving calls like these, and we wanted to share a few important things that could help protect your business.
First, here's what you need to know: Your Google Business Profile is free. You do not need to pay Google to keep your listing active.
Does Google Charge to Maintain Your Business Listing?
No! Google does not charge businesses to create, claim, verify, or maintain a Google Business Profile.
Your Google Business Profile helps customers find your business through Google Search and Google Maps. You can manage important information like your business hours, phone number, address, services, and photos without paying Google a fee.
Businesses can choose to hire a marketing agency to help optimize or manage their profile, but those are optional professional services, not fees required by Google.
According to Google's official Business Profile guidelines, Google will never pressure you to pay to maintain, verify, or reinstate your listing.
How to Recognize a Fake Google Business Listing Call
Scammers often create a sense of urgency. They want you to believe something bad will happen to your business unless you take action immediately.
Here are a few warning signs to watch for:
Threats that your listing will expire or disappear. A caller may claim that your business will be removed from Google unless you pay a fee.
Requests for passwords or verification codes. Never share your Google account password, one-time verification code, or sensitive account information with an unexpected caller.
Promises of guaranteed Google rankings. Be cautious of anyone claiming they can guarantee your business the number-one position on Google.
Pressure to act immediately. Scammers may insist that you pay, approve access, or make an account change before hanging up.
If something feels suspicious, you don't need to continue the conversation.
Does Google Ever Call Business Owners?
Yes, and that's an important distinction!
Google may occasionally contact businesses to verify public information, such as operating hours, services, or other listing details.
However, legitimate Google calls will not ask you to pay to keep your business listed, provide your account password, or purchase a guaranteed ranking.
You can learn more about how Google identifies legitimate calls and suspicious activity.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Suspicious Google Call?
The best response is usually the simplest: Don't share any information, and hang up.
If you're concerned about your Google Business Profile, sign in to your account directly through Google Business Profile. Check for any notifications, verification requests, or issues that need your attention.
Avoid following instructions, clicking links, or calling numbers provided by someone you don't recognize.
And remember, you never need to make an immediate payment simply because someone calls claiming to represent Google.
A Simple Response Your Team Can Use
If you have a receptionist, office manager, or anyone else answering your business phone, make sure they know how to handle these calls.
Here's an easy response they can use:
"We don't authorize Google account changes or payments over incoming calls. We'll verify any concerns directly through our account."
That's it! No arguing, explaining, or trying to determine whether the caller is legitimate.
Having a simple policy like this can help your team respond consistently and confidently.
What if You've Already Shared Information or Made a Payment?
If you've already shared your Google account password, verification code, or payment information with a suspicious caller, it's important to act quickly.
Start by securing your Google account. Change any compromised passwords, enable two-step verification, and review who has access to your Google Business Profile.
If you made a payment, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to report the situation and ask about your options.
You can also visit the Federal Trade Commission's guide on what to do if you've been scammed for additional steps and information about reporting fraud.
Your Google Business Profile Should Help Your Business, Not Create Stress
Your online presence is an important part of helping customers find and trust your business. Unfortunately, that visibility can also make business owners targets for misleading calls and offers.
The good news? You don't need to be a Google expert to recognize the most common warning signs.
Keep control of your account, be cautious about unexpected requests, and make sure your team knows when to say no.
If you're looking for legitimate ways to improve your visibility on Google, learn more about Reverie's website and SEO services, including Google Business Profile optimization and local search strategy.
Have Questions About Your Google Business Profile?
If you've received a questionable call or aren't sure what's happening with your Google listing, we'd love to help point you in the right direction.
At Reverie Creative Agency, we believe business owners deserve clear, trustworthy information about their marketing, whether we're currently working together or not.
And don't forget to share this article with your office manager or whoever answers your business phone. A little awareness can go a long way!
Reverie is an Arizona website design, SEO, and Google Ads agency helping small businesses grow online in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Mesa, Chandler, and the East Valley.