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At the end of 2024, I made the decision to disable and completely remove my agency’s Google Business Profile (GBP). This wasn’t the first time I’ve taken this step—I originally removed it back in 2019 for several reasons but later reinstated it. After careful consideration, I’ve once again removed it entirely. Here’s why. [Read more…]

Last updated Oct 1, 2024

The latest spam to appear on Google Maps is Hawk Tuah, where elementary, middle, and high schools are being renamed to Hawk Tuah schools. [Read more…]

Today, I received a text message from a client who was understandably concerned after receiving a voicemail about an “urgent issue” with their Google business listing. The voicemail, left by a man who sounded quite serious, instructed them to call back before 5:00 pm at the number 888-397-6841. The urgency in the caller’s voice was clearly designed to create a sense of panic.

However, there was no reason to be alarmed. The voicemail had been left on the phone of a non-profit organization that rescues horses—not exactly the type of business that would be losing sleep over a supposed problem with their Google business listing.

This incident is a prime example of a common scam tactic. Scammers often prey on business owners by pretending there’s an urgent issue with their Google Business Profile. They aim to create a sense of urgency and trick you into calling back, potentially leading to fraudulent charges, phishing attempts, or even compromising your personal information.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Google Doesn’t Call You: Google does not call businesses to notify them of issues with their Google Business Profile. In fact, Google is very clear that they only contact users via email or notifications within the Google Business Profile dashboard. If you receive a call claiming to be from Google, especially one that pressures you to act quickly, it’s almost certainly a scam.
• Verify Issues Yourself: If you’re ever concerned about your Google business listing, the best course of action is to log into your Google Business Profile directly. From there, you can check for any notifications or issues that need to be addressed. This method ensures you’re getting accurate information straight from the source.
• Don’t Respond to Suspicious Calls: If you receive a voicemail or call about your Google business listing, resist the urge to call back the number provided. Instead, reach out to Google through their official support channels if you have any concerns.

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against scams. Always verify information through official channels, and don’t let the fear of an “urgent issue” pressure you into making a hasty decision. Remember, Google isn’t going to call you out of the blue, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.