Google is the world’s most popular search engine, and Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly Google My Business) is an essential tool for business owners looking to establish an online presence. Google Business Profile allows business owners to create a business profile that appears when someone searches for their business or a related keyword on Google. The profile includes information about the business, such as the business name, address, phone number, website, reviews, and ratings.
Business owners can also use Google Business Profile to engage with customers and improve their online reputation. They can post updates, respond to reviews, and answer customer questions. Additionally, Google Business Profile provides valuable insights into customer behavior, such as how customers found the business, how many people viewed the profile, and how many people clicked through to the business’s website.
However, the rise of scammers and hackers targeting Google Business Profile has made it essential for business owners to protect their listings. Scammers and hackers can take over a business profile, extort funds, and damage the business’s reputation. Therefore, it is crucial for business owners to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to safeguard their listings.
Types of Google Business Profile Scams
Here are some common types of Google Business Profile scams to be aware of:
Phone Call Scam
One of the most common Google Business Profile scams is the phone call scam. Scammers will call business owners claiming to be from Google and request access to their Google Business Profile listing. They may use tactics such as stating that there is an urgent issue with the business’s listing or claiming that they can improve the business’s search ranking. Once the scammer gains access to the listing, they may demand payment to release control.
It’s important to note that Google does not make unsolicited calls to business owners. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Google, ask for their name and phone number, then hang up and call the official Google support line to confirm their identity.
Request Access Scam
Scammers may also send a request for access to your Google Business Profile listing, posing as an employee or contractor of Google. They may use a fake email address that is similar to an official Google address to deceive business owners. Once the scammer gains access to the listing, they can change the business’s information and demand payment to release control.
To protect your Google Business Profile listing from this scam, be cautious when receiving requests for access. Verify any requests for access to your listing by checking the email address and confirming that it is an official Google email. Additionally, limit access to your listing to trusted employees or contractors.
Suggest an Edit Scam
The suggest an edit scam involves scammers suggesting changes to your business information, such as your phone number or address, with the goal of taking over your listing. Once the scammer gains control of the listing, they may demand payment to release control or use the listing to promote their own business.
To prevent this scam, monitor your listing regularly and reject any edits that you did not make. You can also enable email notifications for changes to your listing so that you can quickly review and approve or reject them.
Fake Reviews
Fake reviews are another type of scam that can be damaging to your business’s reputation. Scammers may post fake positive or negative reviews on your listing to manipulate your rating and deceive potential customers. They may also offer to remove negative reviews for a fee.
To prevent fake reviews, monitor your listing regularly and report any suspicious activity to Google. You can also respond to reviews and encourage satisfied customers to leave honest reviews to balance out any fraudulent ones.
In conclusion, it’s important for businesses to be aware of the types of Google Business Profile scams and take proactive steps to protect their listing. By being cautious when receiving requests for access, monitoring your listing regularly, and reporting any suspicious activity, you can avoid falling victim to these scams and maintain control of your online presence.
Messaging Spam and Scam Attempts
While the messaging platform within your Google Business Profile can be a convenient way to communicate with potential customers, it’s essential to be aware of scam and spam attempts that can occur through this channel. One common tactic involves scammers posing as potential clients, specifically targeting service providers. These scammers may initiate a conversation expressing interest in your services but quickly steer the conversation towards payment methods. They may ask if you accept credit card or online payments, followed by a request for you to front them the money and then receive payment via credit card. This deceptive scheme is designed to exploit your trust and financial security. In this section, we will discuss strategies to recognize and protect yourself against messaging scams while ensuring secure transactions.
Recognizing Messaging Scams
It’s crucial to be able to identify potential messaging scams to protect yourself and your business. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Unsolicited Requests: Be cautious if you receive a message from someone you haven’t previously engaged with or who has not expressed a genuine interest in your services.
- Unusual Payment Requests: If a potential client quickly steers the conversation towards payment methods and asks you to front them money or engage in unconventional payment arrangements, exercise caution.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers often employ tactics to create a sense of urgency or fear, pressuring you to act quickly without proper consideration. Be skeptical of messages that emphasize immediate payment or claim that failure to comply will result in missed opportunities.
Protecting Yourself and Ensuring Secure Transactions
To safeguard against messaging scams and protect your financial security, follow these essential guidelines:
- Verify the Client’s Legitimacy: Before engaging in any financial transactions or committing to providing services, take steps to verify the client’s legitimacy. Request additional information, such as their full name, contact details, and the nature of the services they require. Conduct a background check if necessary, such as searching for their business or reviewing their online presence.
- Use Trusted Payment Gateways: To ensure secure transactions, rely on reputable and trusted payment gateways or platforms. These platforms provide a layer of protection by encrypting sensitive data and offering dispute resolution processes in case of fraudulent transactions.
- Be Wary of Fronting Money: Avoid fronting money for clients, especially if you have not established a trustworthy relationship with them. Legitimate clients will typically follow standard payment practices and won’t require you to make upfront payments on their behalf.
- Implement Clear Payment Policies: Clearly communicate your payment policies to potential clients. Specify your accepted payment methods, payment terms, and any necessary deposits or upfront fees. By setting clear expectations from the beginning, you reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scams.
- Trust Your Intuition: If something feels off or suspicious during the messaging exchange, trust your instincts. If a potential client’s requests or behavior raise concerns, it’s better to err on the side of caution and decline the transaction.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a messaging scam or suspicious activity, report it to Google. Provide them with all relevant details, including the conversation history and any supporting evidence. By reporting such incidents, you contribute to the collective effort of keeping the Google Business Profile messaging platform safe and secure.
While the messaging platform within your Google Business Profile offers a convenient way to communicate with potential clients, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against messaging scams. By recognizing the red flags and implementing the recommended protective measures, you can safeguard your business and financial security. Always verify the legitimacy of clients, use trusted payment gateways, be cautious of fronting money, and trust your intuition when something seems suspicious. By following these guidelines and promptly reporting any suspicious activity, you contribute to a safer online environment for all businesses using the Google Business Profile messaging platform.
How to Help Protect Your Profile Against Scams
Regularly review your profile
In addition to verifying and monitoring your listing, it’s important to limit access to your Google Business Profile account to protect against scams and hacking attempts. Only grant access to people who you trust, such as employees or business partners who need to manage the listing. It’s also a good practice to revoke access for anyone who no longer needs it or has left your organization.
If you manage multiple Google Business Profiles, use only one Google account to manage them all
This makes it easier to keep track of your profiles and communications from them, and reduces the risk of missing a warning or message from one of them. Timely monitoring of communications will help stop someone who shouldn’t have access from gaining it.
Respond to request access emails ASAP
If you receive an email requesting access to your Google Business Profile listing, respond as soon as possible to confirm whether it’s legitimate or a scam. If you are unsure, contact Google support directly to verify the request.
Hang up on dubious calls
Google does not make unsolicited calls to business owners. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Google and asking for personal information or access to your account, hang up immediately. Do not give them ANY information.
Prevent any brute force logins
Brute force logins are when a hacker uses a piece of software to try and log into a site over and over very rapidly until it finally guesses the correct password. To help prevent this, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to prevent hackers from gaining access to your Google account. This will also help protect other important accounts you have online.
By taking these proactive steps, business owners can better protect their Google Business Profile profile against scams and hacking attempts. It’s important to stay vigilant and always be aware of potential threats, as scammers and hackers are constantly evolving their tactics. Regularly monitoring your profile and staying informed about new scams and threats is crucial to maintaining a secure online presence.
The Impact of Google Business Profile Scams
The impact of Google Business Profile scams can be significant for business owners. Scammers who gain access to your listing can alter your business information, leading to confusion among customers who rely on accurate information to find your business. For example, changing your business hours can result in customers arriving when you’re closed, which can damage your reputation and lead to lost sales.
In addition, scammers may demand payment to release control of your listing or to optimize your page for search rankings. This can be costly for businesses, especially those with limited resources. The scammers may use threats or intimidation tactics to coerce business owners into paying, which can be stressful and time-consuming to resolve.
Moreover, if your Google Business Profile listing is hacked or taken over by scammers, it can take time and resources to reclaim control and correct any misinformation that was posted. This can result in lost revenue, decreased search engine visibility, and a tarnished reputation for the business.
It’s essential for business owners to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect their Google Business Profile profiles. By monitoring your listing regularly, limiting access to your account, and being cautious about requests for access or changes to your information, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams and protect your business’s reputation and finances.
Learning More About Google Business Profile
It’s important to stay informed about Google Business Profile and the scams that exist so that you can protect your business’s online presence.
There are several resources available to help you learn more about Google Business Profile, including the Google support page, which offers helpful articles and information. Or you can reach out to us here at Roost Web Strategies. We offer services and expertise to help you keep your Google Business Profile up to date and help safeguard your business’ online reputation.
