Google Business Profile Ownership Scam - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Profile
The Ploy
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”. Below is what the page looks like:
Guard Your Google Business Profile
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.
If you would like Build Your Firm to help manage your Google Business Profile, contact us at 888-999.9800, ext 1, or email us at info@buildyourfirm.com to learn more about our accounting website designs and marketing services for accountants.
