AI is cutting edge technology, but it’s also being used to revive scams that have been around as long as touch tone telephones. Today we’re going to discuss Google scams that are popping up and how you’ll know they have nothing to do with your Google Business Profile, Google Ads or any other important property related to your business online.
Spotting the Google Scam
Because we manage lots of Google Business listings and Google Ads accounts, we’re getting these voicemails and text messages all the time. There are variations, but they all contain a common message, along the lines of this:
“there is a problem with your Google listing, and it can’t be verified. Press 2 to speak with a representative”
Right off the bat, this should be a red flag. Google does not (and has never) proactively reached out to fix Google Business listings (formerly known as Google Business Profile). If there is something missing from your listing, or it needs verification, you may get an email alert, but you won’t get a phone call. Google does not have proactive customer service. Even if you get an official looking email, head to the appropriate platform (business.google.com for example) rather than clicking buttons or links in the email.
Other red flags include:
- The message is sent to lots of users at once, not just you.
- The message came from a foreign phone number (look for ‘+’ at the beginning).
- A text message which contains a link to click.
We can add one caveat: if you reach out to Google customer support for Google Ads (for example) and request a call, they will call. Other than that, you won’t get a call from Google.
Is there Something Wrong?
If you’re ever curious about your Google Business Profile, your Google Ads account or anything else Google related, just log into the relevant platform and have a look. Google’s user interfaces will let you know if something is broken, unverified or missing, so it’s good to have a look at your accounts on a regular basis.
What About the Calls and Texts?
You’re getting spammed because you have email that is hosted on Gmail and / or because that account is tied to a Google property somewhere (Business Profile / Ads etc.) However, that doesn’t mean your account is compromised or that you’ve been hacked.
Report the spam as such (if you have that option) and move on with your day. Google isn’t going to pester you about your listings, and they don’t send automated calls to fix errors.
If you have questions about your Google Business Profile, Google Ads or anything else in digital marketing, find a digital marketing agency you trust to have a look at your accounts and fix anything that needs fixing. If we can help with that, get in touch.