The Google spam call is a real thing… or is it? Does Google spam-call customers or random businesses?
The answer is simple. That’s not Google. It’s an SEO scammer, calling small businesses and acting like Google. How? Why? Read on, my friends.
“Google” Spam Calls Are SEO Scammers Looking for Suckers
We try not to pick up unsolicited calls but we just got one of these calls this week. It went exactly like this: “This is the verification system calling with an urgent message. Your Google listing is currently under audit and flagged for review.” (Note how it never says who is calling? People assume it’s Google. Don’t assume. Assume it’s spam.) The recording continues, trying to get you to show you’re human and put you in a state of panic. Stay cool. Sadly this is how a lot of low-quality SEO operators get new business, and this probably isn’t going to stop.
Why Is “Google” Calling Me?
Remember when you registered your business? When you set up your website with your phone number on it? And any of a dozen other ways you promote your phone number? That’s how they got your information. It’s public so any customer can reach you. Sadly some of these public eyes belong to scammers who are looking for unwary business owners.
Yes, there are laws that prevent legitimate businesses from claiming to be Google. Emphasis on legitimate. Most of these SEO scammers are fly-by-night businesses, many based overseas, that will shut down and relaunch under a new name as soon as any legal threat appears. We promise – it’s not Google. But when they say they’re Google, or let you assume they’re Google, they are now operating from a position of power. Power over you and your Google visibility. Or at least they’d like you to think that.
Why Do I Keep Getting Calls About My Google Listing?
Once the scammer gets your trust, then the funny business begins. They can provide you with reports that will identify why you’re not getting all the business you should. They’ll fix your website. They’ll get you to #1 in Google for your business name. (Spoiler: 99% of the time you’re already #1 for your business name. Check it before you go off and pay for it.) They’ll get you to the top of all the best Google searches. And it’s only $xxx a month! Try it for a few months and you’ll love it!
Once you’ve given them your credit card and your website password, you’re off to the races. Unethical SEO scammers will charge your credit card until it falls apart. If they have control of your website, they can actually hold it hostage and make it impossible for you to log in. They can also install backdoors so they can log in even if you change the password.
In short, the Google play is a perfect way for a scammer to get their foot in the door.
If you think they’re a salesperson, you’ll have your guard up.
If you think they’re a Google employee, alerting you of an imminent problem with your website, you’ll be eager to have their “help.” Too bad they’re actually a salesperson. Well, a scam salesperson.
What Do I Do About These “Google” Spam Calls?
First, hang up the phone. Don’t worry about being polite.
Immediately BLOCK that phone number and mark it as spam. This does help, and it’ll mean you won’t get a direct call from that spammer’s number again. They may call you again from a different number. Keep blocking. Eventually the tide of spam calls will abate.
If you get a lot of spam calls, we recommend a few different techniques and apps.
- If you’re on a major carrier like Verizon or T-Mobile, check to see if they have a spam blocking app. Those are the best because they have fairly current info on where spam calls are coming from, and they can identify suspicious numbers before you even pick up. Pay attention and don’t answer these calls. If it’s important they can leave a message.
- Free apps like Hiya will show you when a known spammer is calling. Their database is probably not as current as a major carrier spam app, but it’s helpful. The paid version of Hiya will do other good stuff, like automatically block known spammers.
- Subscription apps like Robokiller are highly-rated for their array of anti-spam tools.