What To Do When You Get A Phone Call From Google
There is a discrepancy on your Google My Business page. We are calling about your Google account. Most likely you have or will receive a phone call that starts just like that. Is it legit? Does Google ever call you directly?
Here is what Google says:
Protecting against fraudulent calls
As a business owner, you can receive many types of phone calls, including some from automated systems. They range from unsolicited recorded robocalls (which are often scams) to conversational systems that perform a task on behalf of a single user (like booking an appointment). This article will help you understand the difference between trusted automated systems and scams.
How to identify legitimate calls from Google
There are a few circumstances where you may receive a call from someone who claims to be from Google. Here’s how to identify whether it’s a real call from Google or from a possible scammer:
- Google does not make unsolicited sales calls from an automated system. However, we may place automated phone calls to your business, as a service to Google users, for non-sales tasks like making reservations or confirming your business hours. These calls are only enabled for businesses that offer public phone numbers for the purpose of receiving calls from the general public, and use the automated voice-calling service Duplex.
- Google will make automated calls from a set of designated numbers. For example, in the US, calls from 650–203–0000 will be from Google. If businesses don’t want to accept these calls, they can opt-out by simply saying so on the call. Businesses will also be able to opt-out of reservations or bookings made using Google Duplex.
- You may receive calls from Google operators for the purposes of development, customer service, or support related to your Google Ads, Google Play or other Google accounts. However, Google will never ask you for payment information over the phone or guarantee you favorable placement in our products.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make fraudulent and misleading calls. Sometimes, callers or pre-recorded robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.
Many of these types of calls are not allowed under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them.
Here’s what to do if you receive an unwanted automated robocall from a non-Google entity:
Report suspicious calls in the US
If you’re in the US and continue to receive unwanted calls, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To file a formal complaint, go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1–888–382–1222. You can also submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.
Hang up
If you receive an unwanted call from someone who claims to be Google or working with Google, feel free to hang up at any time. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may lead to more unwanted calls.
Help us track down scammers
Google understands these types of calls can be bothersome. We are committed to doing our part to try to put a stop to these calls. However, this isn’t always within our control; for example, many of these callers use untraceable phone numbers and other cloaking tactics.
Help us track calls that falsely associate themselves with Google. Contact us directly via our webform and include the following information:
- The caller’s company and contact information.
- Any emails or documentation received from the caller as part of a follow-up.
- Any additional information about the call.
Prevent future unwanted calls
- Check out the FTC’s tips on how to handle unwanted calls, and robocalls resources with additional information about robocalls and steps you can take if you receive one.
- Check with your phone company to see if they can block calls from any problematic numbers.
- If you’re in the US, register your personal number with the National Do Not Call Registry at: www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx or call 1–888–382–1222.”
Source: Google
Check out these helpful articles:
Why Successful Business Verify Their Google Page.
Using Google My Business as a Lead Generation Tool
How To Create A Post On Google My Business
How To Set Up Messaging On Your Google My Business Page
How did they get your phone number?
Congrats! Your marketing is working. Your phone number is visible on your website and/or your Google My Business page. This is a good thing. But as is the case with most good things, it comes at a price. The price is the annoying scammers.
In addition to these types of calls, we have the infamous robo-call. You would think the National Do Not Call Registry would solve this problem. Think again. The Federal Trade Commission- FTC- receives 19,000 complaints daily from people who are on the list and still get called. Obviously being on the list does not help.
How to detect a fraudulent call
Pay attention to the language. Most of these scammers will imply they are working with Google or on Google’s authority. Here are some tips to detect a fraudulent call.
- Google will not call you unless you have contacted them and specifically asked for a callback.
- Calls from 650–203–0000 will be from Google.
- They will ask for the owner.
- They will ask you to verify your account with the “credit card on File.”
- They will offer to update your account and/or verify your account for a fee.
- An overwhelming sense of urgency.
Remember, your Google My Business listing is FREE. You can update your information for FREE at any time.
The FTC is currently involved in litigation against these types of scams. You may want to read Google is not calling you by the FTC.
Here is a list of some Google scams:
- Google Lotto Scam
- Gmail Tech Support Scam
- Vehicle Purchase Scam
- Google AdWords Impersonation Scam
- Google Job Offer Scam
- Google Account Recovery Scam via SMS Messages
- Google Top Placement/SEO Scam
- Google Maps/SEO Fake Invoices
- Google Telemarketing Calls
- Google/Zagat Job Scam
- Gmail Update Phishing
- Google AdSense Scam
- Tax Payment Scam
- Blackmail & Extortion
Don’t let all this negative stuff depress you.
Google My Business is a great tool for business.
We strongly encourage( OK, we really insist) all of our clients verify and optimize their Google My Business listing.
Check out our Google My Business page for step by step instructions on claiming and managing your Google My Business page.