Google Business Profile Ownership Scam - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Profile
Your Google Business Profile may be one of the most prized possessions of your online marketing strategy. However you may not be the only one who recognizes its inherent value. Beware of scammers trying to steal your Google Business Profile by hijacking Google’s “request access” feature. This prevalent ploy shows up as an email from Google asking for login information in an attempt to gain access to your listing.
The scary fact is, anyone can claim ownership of your business listing! Warning - be extremely vigilant in looking out for emails from Google!
What Does the Suspicious Email Look Like?
Most times the email comes from a valid Google email address so it looks legitimate. The from email looks like: google-my-business-noreply@google.com
The reason why it actually comes from Google is because Google gives an option to request access to any listing even if it is already claimed by a business owner.
Here is what the email looks like requesting access to your Google Business Profile:
What Should You Do When You Get An Email Requesting Access to Your Google Business Profile?
Respond to the email within 3 business days!
Do not just delete the email, because guess what? Google has a loophole that allows anyone to request ownership of your page and if you don’t respond within 3 business days they get immediate access to your listing.
Click the “Review Request” button in the email and again make sure the email is coming from Google and not a fake email address.
Choose “Reject Request” and
click “Grant”.
A lot of businesses have the set it and forget it mentality with local listings, which is not the best strategy for managing your Google Business Profile. As you can see, keeping on top of your listing is key to making sure you don’t get caught in potential issues down the road. Be sure to know the login for your listing, check in regularly, AND never give access to your listing to unknown individuals claiming to be Google.
Remember, your Google Business Profile is a precious marketing commodity worth even more if you have a large quantity of good reviews. Guard it as if the life of your business depends on it, because it does.
Let me take care of your Google profile!
Schon Graphics - Hunt County Webdesign, provides the monthly maintenance, like:
- Keep Opening Hours, Holiday / Bad Weather closures updated
- Add photos, tagged with keywords (up to 8 photos per month)
- Add 2-4 posts with Events, Holidays, Special announcements, blog content etc.
- View and reply to 4 & 5 Star reviews (1-3 Star reviews will be reported to you)
- Conduct keyword research
And OF COURSE I will make sure your Profile is kept secure!
Check out our monthly Packages for Search Engine Profiles or get in touch with me for more information.
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