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If someone called saying your Google listing needs to be verified, is about to be removed, or has been flagged, slow down before you press anything. Google does not cold-call business owners to sell verification or fix a listing. Most of these calls are scams, and they are built to scare you into paying for something that is free.
Does Google Ever Call Businesses?
Sometimes, but not for the reasons scammers give. According to Google, it does not make unsolicited sales calls from an automated system. It may call a business for a short list of reasons, such as:
- Checking that your business info on Google Maps is correct
- Making a reservation for a Google user
- Confirming prices or whether a product or service is available
- Scheduling an appointment for a Google user
These automated calls tell you up front that they are from Google and why they are calling. They only go to businesses with a public phone number listed for customers. If you run Google Ads or have other Google accounts, a Google team member may also contact you about those accounts.
None of these calls ask you to pay to keep your listing, and none of them verify your Business Profile over the phone.
What a Fake "Google" Call Sounds Like
Scam calls tend to follow the same script. Watch for:
- A recording saying your listing is unverified, flagged, or about to be removed
- A prompt to press 1 to speak with a "listing specialist"
- Pressure to act right now or lose your spot on Google
- A request for payment to verify, protect, or rank your profile
- Someone claiming to be a Google partner or "verification department"
Any one of these is a red flag. A call that asks for money to verify your profile is not from Google.
What Google Will Never Ask For
Google will not ask you to:
- Pay for your Google Business Profile. The profile is free.
- Read out your verification code. Google says it will never ask for it.
- Give your password, login details, or payment information over the phone.
If a caller asks for any of these, hang up.
Real Verification Happens Inside Your Account
Verification is something you start, not something that starts with a phone call. It happens inside your own Business Profile, using whatever method Google offers your business, such as a video, a postcard code, or a live video call with a support agent. You cannot verify by answering a call from an unknown number.
If you are not sure whether your profile needs attention, sign in to your Business Profile yourself and check. If Google needs something from you, it will show there.
For the full picture, read Understanding Google Business Profile Verification.
Is It Safe to Upload ID or Business Documents?
It can be, as long as you upload them in the right place. Only share documents inside your own Business Profile or through Google's official support pages after you started the request yourself. Never send ID, licenses, or utility bills to someone who contacted you first, by phone, text, or email, claiming to be Google.
If you hire outside help, a legitimate agency works through access you control. You can add a manager to your profile instead of handing over your login. Our guide on how to add a manager shows how.
What to Do If You Get One of These Calls
- Hang up. Do not press any buttons, since that can lead to more calls.
- Do not call back the number that called you.
- Sign in to your Business Profile directly to check its status.
- If the calls keep coming, report them to the Federal Trade Commission and ask your phone carrier about call blocking.
If You Already Paid or Shared Information
Act quickly:
- Call your bank or card company about the charge.
- Change the password on the Google account that owns your profile.
- Check your profile's users and remove anyone you don't recognize.
- Keep any records of the call, the number, and what you paid.
If someone took over your profile or you lost access, our ownership and access support can help.