Local SEO — Alert
Is Google really calling? How to spot Business Profile scam calls.
Robocalls claiming your Google listing will be suspended are still flooding small businesses. Here's how to tell a scam from a real Google call, what to do, and how to lock down your profile.
Quick answer
- Google doesn't charge for a Business Profile — creating it, verifying it or keeping it.
- Google says it will never ask for payment, card details, passwords or one-time codes.
- Any caller asking for money to keep you on Google, verify you or rank you higher is not Google.
- Hang up, don't press any keys, and report the call.
We first wrote about these calls in 2017. Years later they haven't stopped — call-blocking company Hiya has logged thousands of them, with more than 100 script variations. Google has also sued companies behind them, alleging they falsely told owners they had to pay fees tied to their listings.
Signs the call is a scam
- A recorded message saying your listing is "unverified," "not registered" or about to be suspended or marked closed.
- Pressure to press 1 to speak to a "Google specialist" or "verification department."
- A fee to verify, keep or reinstate your listing — reported amounts range from about $99 to several hundred dollars.
- Promises of top rankings or a guaranteed spot on Google Maps for a price.
- Requests for codes — a verification code, PIN or one-time password sent to your phone or email.
- A caller who claims to be Google or a "Google partner" but won't let you call back through an official number.
When Google really does contact you
Google may occasionally use automated calls or texts to the number on your Business Profile — for example, to confirm your hours or details. Those calls don't ask you for money, card numbers, passwords or codes. If you're unsure, hang up and check your profile directly by signing in to Google Business Profile yourself.
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What to do when you get a scam call
- Hang up. Don't press any keys — that can mark your number as active and bring more calls.
- Don't share anything. No payment, codes, passwords or account details.
- Report it to Google through the Business Profile Help Center's feedback form for suspicious calls.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (in the US).
- Turn on spam call protection from your phone carrier or phone's built-in call screening.
If you already paid or shared a code
- Call your bank or card issuer and dispute the charge.
- Change your Google account password and turn on 2-Step Verification.
- Check who has access to your Business Profile and remove anyone you don't recognize.
- Review your profile's name, phone, website and hours for unauthorized changes.
How to protect your Google Business Profile
- Turn on 2-Step Verification for every Google account with access.
- Limit managers. The fewer people with access, the safer the profile. Remove former employees and agencies you no longer use.
- Stay the owner. If an agency manages your profile, give them manager access — not ownership.
- Claim every location so no one else can.
- Only approve access requests from people you know.
A well-kept profile also helps you get found — see our Google Business Profile best practices.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google charge for a Business Profile?
No. Creating, verifying and maintaining a Google Business Profile is free.
Will Google call to say my listing will be removed?
Google doesn't call to demand payment to keep your listing. Any call that ties your listing's status to a fee is a scam.
Why do these calls keep coming?
Business phone numbers are public, and robocalls are cheap to send. Pressing keys or engaging can increase calls, so hang up and use carrier spam blocking.
Can an agency legitimately help with my profile?
Yes — but a legitimate agency won't claim to be Google, won't say you must pay Google, and will work through manager access while you remain the owner.