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Castlegar, BC. Serving the Kootenays and beyond.
6 min
Key takeaways
- Google does not charge for a Business Profile or for being on Google Maps.
- Google never asks for money, card details, passwords or one-time codes by phone.
- Nobody can buy a better spot in the regular map results, Google says.
- Some automated calls from Google are real. They ask about hours or prices, never money.
- Check People and access on your profile, and remove anyone you do not know.
On this page
How do I spot Google scam calls?
Google scam calls ask for money to keep, verify or boost your business listing. Google does not charge for a Business Profile. It says it never asks for payment by phone and never guarantees a special spot. Google does make some automated calls about your hours or prices. Those calls never ask you to pay.
The calls lean on fear. The caller says your listing is about to vanish, or promises you first place on the map. The goal is to get you to pay or hand over a code before you stop to check.
Does Google ever call businesses?
Yes, sometimes. Google uses automated calls to check details on Google Maps, like your hours or whether you take reservations. The call says it is from Google and why it is calling. It never asks you to sign up, pay or give personal information. You can opt out by saying so on the call.
| What is being compared | A real Google call | A scam call |
|---|---|---|
| Who is calling | An automated voice that says it is Google and why | A person or recording that says they work with Google |
| What it asks | Your hours, prices or whether a product is in stock | Money, a password, a code or a sign-up |
| Money | Never comes up | Comes up as a fee, an invoice or a card number |
| What you can do | Answer the questions or opt out | Hang up and press nothing |
Google also says its staff may call about Google Ads or other Google accounts. Even then, they never ask for payment details over the phone.
What do Google scam callers say?
Google’s help pages answer six lines these callers use. Your listing will be removed, it needs a paid check, you can buy first place, they work with Google, they need a code, or you can claim a free website.
- “Your listing will be removed unless you pay.”
- Google says that if a caller asks for money to keep your business on Google, it is not Google.
- “We need to verify your listing for a fee.”
- Google never asks you to pay to keep your profile, and that includes getting it verified or reinstated.
- “We can get you first place on Google.”
- Google says there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking, and it never guarantees top placement.
- “We work with Google.”
- Google names this line as a sign of a scam. Callers say they work “with Google” or “for Google” to sell you something.
- “Read me the code we just texted you.”
- Google never asks for a one-time code or a PIN. That code can hand someone your account.
- “Claim your free website” or “update your front page listing.”
- Google says it does not call about either of these.
If money comes up, it is not Google.
What should I do during the call?
Hang up and press nothing. Then log in to your Business Profile yourself and look at it. That shows you the real state of your listing. Keep the caller’s company name and number for your report.
- 01Hang up. Google says not to press any buttons, even if the recording tells you to.
- 02Give no codes, passwords or card numbers, whatever the caller says is at stake.
- 03Do not call back a number the caller gave you.
- 04Log in to your Business Profile yourself, by typing the address, and look at it.
- 05Write down the company name, the number and anything they sent you, for the report.
How do I report Google scam calls in Canada?
Report the call to Google on its Business Profile webform, with the caller’s company and contact details. Then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. If you paid anything, call your bank and your local police too.
Google’s own help page lists US reporting options. In Canada, the Anti-Fraud Centre collects reports and shares what it learns with police. A single report can help link one crime to others.
How do I check my profile is claimed, and who manages it?
Search your business name on Google. If you see “Own this business?” or “Claim this business”, nobody has claimed it yet. If you have claimed it, open People and access in your profile settings. That page lists every owner and manager.
- 01Search your business name on Google on a computer. If you see “Own this business?” or “Claim this business”, the profile is not claimed yet. Claim it.
- 02On Google Maps, search your business. “Claim this business” on the About tab also means nobody has claimed it.
- 03Sign in and open your Business Profile. Choose More, then Business Profile settings, then People and access.
- 04Read the list of owners and managers. Remove past staff and anyone you do not recognize.
- 05Turn on 2-Step Verification on the Google account that owns the profile.
- Keep as few owners and managers as you can. Owners can transfer the whole profile.
- Never approve an email request to manage your profile from someone you do not know.
- If someone else manages the profile for you, keep yourself on it as an owner.
- Remove people the day they leave the business.
Google says unclaimed profiles are easier to take over, so claim yours even if you never plan to post. My Google Business Profile guide covers setting it up well. If your profile has already been suspended, read what to do when a profile is suspended or not verified.
Sources and further reading
- Fraudulent calls and texts, Google Business Profile Help
Read October 23, 2026. What Google’s real automated calls sound like, that Google never asks for payment by phone or guarantees a special spot, and how to report a call.
- About automated calls and texts from Google to your business, Google Business Profile Help
Read October 23, 2026. Google never asks for payment, card details or passwords. A caller asking for money to keep you on Google is not Google.
- Keeping your Business Profile safe, Google Business Profile Help
Read October 23, 2026. Google does not charge for the profile, never asks for a one-time code or PIN, and shows how to check whether a profile is claimed.
- Manage your Business Profile owners and managers, Google Business Profile Help
Read October 23, 2026. Owner and manager roles, and the People and access page where you add or remove them.
- Tips to improve your local ranking on Google, Google Business Profile Help
Read October 23, 2026. There is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking on Google.
- Google top placement and SEO scam, Google Help
Read October 23, 2026. Google never guarantees top placement in search results.
- Google telemarketing calls, Google Help
Read October 23, 2026. Google does not call to update a “front page listing” or offer a free website, and does not charge for inclusion.
- Google Maps and SEO fake invoices, Google Help
Read October 23, 2026. Google does not charge for inclusion in Google Maps.
- Report fraud and cybercrime, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Read October 23, 2026. Reports go online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. Victims should also contact local police.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Google says it does not charge for a Business Profile or for being on Google Maps. A call, email or invoice asking you to pay to keep or verify your listing is not from Google.
Can I pay Google to rank higher on Maps?
Google says there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. Paid ads are a separate product. Google also says it never guarantees top placement, so treat that promise as a warning sign.
The caller knew my business name and address. Is it real?
Your profile is public, so anyone can read those details off Google. Knowing them proves nothing. If money, a code or a password comes up, hang up.
I already paid one of these callers. What now?
Call your bank or card company about the charge. Change your Google password and turn on 2-Step Verification. Check People and access on your profile for anyone new. Then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online, and to local police.
Does Google ever text a business?
In some countries, Google sends texts or WhatsApp messages to confirm profile details. Google says to answer only verified accounts with a blue checkmark. Never click a link or share information from any other sender.
Related pages
Kootenay Made Digital
I build websites, local presence, and calm AI setups for Kootenay small businesses. Prices are published, and the work is built to make you easier to find and easier to choose.
