Google Telemarketing Calls

Beware of Scammers Pretending to Be Google: Protect Your Business from Fraudulent Calls and Services

If you’ve received a phone call from someone claiming to be Google or boasting about a special relationship with the tech giant, beware—this is likely a scam. These telemarketers are not affiliated with Google and are attempting to leverage the company’s reputable brand to sell you a range of online services that you likely don’t need. Here’s what you should know to protect your business from these fraudulent calls:

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

It’s essential to recognize the signs of a scam to avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices. Keep these crucial points in mind when receiving unsolicited calls or emails:

1. Google Will Not Place Robocalls

Google does not use automated phone calls (robocalls) to contact users. If you receive an automated message claiming to be from Google, hang up immediately. Legitimate communication from Google typically comes through their official channels, such as your Google account inbox or support pages.

2. Google Will Not Call You to “Claim Your Free Website”

No, Google is not calling to offer you a “free website.” Scammers often use this tactic to entice business owners with promises of a free website or other services. In reality, Google provides a variety of business services, but it does not directly offer free website creation over the phone.

3. Google Will Not Call You to “Update Your Listing”

If you receive a call claiming that Google needs to “update your listing,” it’s a scam. While Google does offer tools to manage your online business listing through Google My Business, these changes can only be made by the business owner through their account—not by phone solicitation.

4. Google Does Not Call You to Advertise Their Services

Google never reaches out to businesses to advertise its services or push specific paid services through unsolicited calls. If someone calls offering you a deal for advertising, you’re likely dealing with a scammer.

5. Google Does Not Charge for Inclusion in Google Search or Places

Inclusion in Google Search or Google Places (now Google Business Profile) is free. Scammers may try to convince you that they need to charge you for inclusion, but that’s not true. Google does not charge businesses for being listed in these results. Be cautious if someone asks for payment in exchange for better visibility on Google Search or Google Maps.

6. Don’t Fall for Claims of Becoming #1 on Google

If someone tells you they can make your business #1 on Google, it’s an empty promise. There’s no legitimate service that can guarantee you the top spot on Google’s organic search results. SEO (search engine optimization) is a long-term strategy, and no one can promise you a top ranking through shortcuts or shady practices.

What to Do If You Receive a Scam Call

If you ever receive a call where the person claims they are from Google or have a special partnership with the company, it’s most likely a scam. Do not engage with the caller, and certainly do not provide them with any personal or financial information.

If You Have a Google Ads Account

If you are a Google Ads user and someone calls claiming they’ve been appointed to help you for free and asks for access to your Google Ads account, don’t comply! Google does not call advertisers to request account access. If you need assistance with Google Ads, you can contact Google directly through the support options available in your account.

Protect Your Business from Scams

To protect your business, always double-check the legitimacy of calls claiming to be from Google. Remember:

• Google does not call businesses out of the blue for any of the services mentioned above.
• You can always manage and update your Google Business Profile directly through your Google account.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those that involve payment or requests for access to your accounts.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your business from scammers who are trying to take advantage of the trust people place in Google. If you suspect a scam, report it to Google and avoid engaging with the caller.

Conclusion

While Google offers a range of online services that can help your business grow, it’s important to be aware of fraudsters who prey on business owners by misusing the Google name. By staying vigilant and knowing how to identify these scams, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent practices. Always ensure you’re communicating with Google through official channels and never give out personal or account information to unsolicited callers.