06/05/2026
Watch Out for Fake “Google Business Verification” Calls!
I received a voicemail today claiming to be from the “Business Verification Department,” saying my Google Business listing was “under audit,” “flagged for review,” and might not stay visible unless I called them back before 5 p.m.
This is a scam tactic.
Scammers often use urgent language like:
“Your Google listing is under audit.”
“Your business may not be viewable to customers.”
“Call us before we close today.”
“Your listing has been flagged for review.”
The goal is to scare business owners into calling back, at which point they may try to sell fake services, collect personal information, gain access to your Google Business Profile, or charge you for something you do not need.
What business owners should do instead:
Do not call the number back.
Do not give anyone access to your Google account.
Do not share verification codes.
Log in directly to your Google Business Profile to check for real alerts.
Work only with someone you know and trust for help with SEO or Google Business Profile.
Your Google Business Profile is important, but do not let a scare-call pressure you into making a bad decision.
Please share this with other local business owners. These calls are getting more common. .com