How To Identify GBP Message
Originally Published September 2022
Between scam phone calls, access request emails, and GBP spam messages, sometimes it feels like having a Google Business Profile isn’t worth it. With Google’s switch to managing your GBP via the Google Maps app and the acceleration of online scams throughout the pandemic period, these types of scams have increased exponentially.
At Cohlab, we’re on the receiving end of GBP scams a few times per week. Here’s how we deal with these scammers and spammers so that you can protect yourself and your business
Dubious Google Phone Calls
Google will never call you unless you asked them to! Full stop.
The same goes for Facebook, Twitter, Apple, and all of the tech or social media giants. Unless you or an employee of yours reached out to them first, just hang up. The caller is usually a fraud impersonating the company, or a firm pretending they have a special relationship with the company. Either way, you can lose money or your listing to them if you cooperate with them.
Hang up!
GBP Access Email Requests
Competitors and frauds may try to take over your Google Business Profile by force. From Google Search or Google Maps, they can click a link titled ‘Own This Business?’ which allows them to request administrative access to your Google Business Profile.
Don’t ignore the request!
Google allows seven days for you to reply. If you don’t respond, Google may hand control of your GBP over to this competitor or fraud if they can find a way to prove they are the likely owner.
If you see an email come through to any of your accounts asking to review a request for ownership, click “Review Request” immediately, and then either approve or deny access depending on your situation. In most cases, denying is your best path forward – even if you know the person, the fewer business partners who have access to your GBP, the better.
Example Spam Messages In Google Business Profile
“
Name:
Create Me
Message:
I want you to get me quote for the following:
- I want a website like this but designed in your brand (text, images, colors, etc): https://x.com/
- I want English only
- I need to the own the domain: x.net
- I need me to update the website on a consistent basis
- I will be providing the images, logo, and content for the site
- I want the site up and running in the next 2 months (by the end of June)
- My budget is anywhere from $5,000 – $15,000
Kindly let me know if you can help me with this request
“
“
Rosa Nasara
Hello this is Rosa and I will like to know if you offer website design and if you do please I will need your services and I will like you to know am hearing impaired (deaf) lady and the best way you can communicate with me is via email which is rosanasara@aol.com. so I will appreciate if you can get back to me soon.
“
“
Name: Nicolas Romano
Message:
I have a small scale business which I want to turn into a large scale business now located in MN and the company is based on importing and exporting Agriculture products such as Kola Nut, peaNut and Cocoa so i need a best of the best layout design for it. Can you handle that for me ?
”
“
Wright Jasmine Bertha
Hi!
I’m LT Jasmine I’ve a small sca
le business which I want to turn into a large scale business and the company is based on importing and exporting of agricultural products.
Can you handle the web design ?
”
Ready to take control of your Google Business Profile and build your presence in Google Search and Maps? Contact Cohlab today to learn more about partnering with us!
Image(s) licensed by Ingram Image
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