Google calls your company offering a listing subscription? A scam!

Adam Jasiński SEO 19.11.2024 Reading time: 5 min

Phone scams impersonating well-known brands such as Google are becoming more and more common. More and more entrepreneurs in Poland report such calls.

The growing number of phone scams impersonating "Google"

Phone scams impersonating well-known brands such as Google are becoming more and more common. In Poland, a growing number of entrepreneurs report situations in which someone allegedly representing Google contacts them about a "service subscription" or "improving visibility in the search engine". Scammers exploit ignorance and trust in global brands to extort money or personal data. In this article we explain why Google does not call with subscription offers, how to recognize a scam and how to defend yourself against it.

How does a phone scam impersonating Google work?

The mechanism of the scam

Scammers call businesses, posing as Google representatives. They often claim that the company must pay a subscription for its presence in search results or risks being removed from Google Maps. Fake offers often include a "guarantee" of better visibility on the internet in exchange for a monthly fee. According to reports, victims receive proposals of supposedly professional services meant to improve the site's position in the search engine. Scammers use technical terms to create an impression of authenticity. In reality, Google does not require such fees for visibility in its services.

The most common manipulation methods

Time pressure: Scammers claim that the offer is time-limited and that the company must act quickly to avoid negative consequences.
Brand authority: Names such as "Google Ads" or "Google My Business" often come up in the conversation, which is meant to make the caller seem credible.
Threats of removal from search results: Scammers warn that the company will disappear from Google Maps or drop in search results if it does not pay the "subscription".

Why does Google not call with subscription offers?

Google's policy

Google never contacts businesses about subscriptions for visibility in search results. The Google search engine works on the basis of algorithms that do not require fees for indexing pages. Companies can use paid advertising campaigns in Google Ads, but the initiative always lies with the user. Google clearly states that it contacts people by phone only on technical matters or in response to customer requests.

Official statements of the company

Google has repeatedly stressed that it does not offer "subscriptions" for presence in the search engine or on Google Maps. On its support page, the company explains that visibility in organic results is free, and paid services such as Google Ads are managed directly by the user through a Google account. If you want to start a paid campaign, e.g. SEO (search engine positioning), feel free to contact us.

How to recognize fake calls?

The most common warning signs

Recognizing a phone scam requires attention and awareness. Below are a few signs that may indicate a fake call:

A request for confidential information: Scammers may ask for payment card details, the password to your Google account or other sensitive information.
A promise of guaranteed visibility: No company can guarantee first place in search results, and Google states this explicitly.
Unprofessional language: In many cases the callers speak broken Polish or make mistakes, which can be a warning sign.
No written offer: Google always sends the details of offers and invoices electronically, not by phone.

Examples of fake call scenarios

"Please pay €68 per month so that your company remains in Google results."
"If we sign the contract today, we will guarantee you first position on Google within 48 hours."
"Failure to pay the subscription will result in your company being removed from Google Maps."

What to do if you fall victim to a scam?

Steps for reporting the incident

If you suspect that you received a fake call, it is worth taking the following actions:

Do not give out any data: Never share financial information or passwords over the phone.
End the call: If the caller seems suspicious, end the call without going into details.
Report it: Contact the local law enforcement authorities and report the incident as an attempted fraud. You can also notify Google about suspicious activity using the official support channels.

How to protect your business from scammers?

Employee education: Make sure your team knows how to recognize a scam and what to do in case of a suspicious contact.
Using official sources: All information about Google services should come directly from the Google website or the user's account.
Verifying phone numbers: Check whether the number the caller is using belongs to Google.

Summary

Google never requires fees for presence in search results or on Google Maps. Calls offering "subscriptions" for Google services are an outright scam that exploits entrepreneurs' trust in well-known brands. It is important to stay vigilant, recognize fake contacts and not share any sensitive information. If you need a sauna, a hot tub, or other information in a similar vein and professional advice, it is worth thinking along similar lines FAQ