Troubleshooting
Getting Spam Calls After Listing Your Business on Google? How to Spot Scams and Stop Them
Why Indian businesses get sudden calls from "Google", SEO agencies and loan sellers after creating a Business Profile, common scam scripts (verification fee, listing suspension threat, OTP requests, fake review packages), how to protect your profile and phone number, and practical steps to reduce spam.
By Chamko Research Team Updated 5 min read
Quick answer
Once your phone number is public on Google, marketers and scammers find it. Many callers falsely claim to be "from Google" and threaten suspension, ask for a "verification fee", request an OTP or code, or sell guaranteed rankings and review packages. Google doesn't cold-call businesses for payment or codes, and Business Profiles are free. Never share codes, never pay unknown callers, keep your account secure with two-step verification, use a business number with call filtering, and report scam numbers.
Quick answer: Once your phone number is public on Google, marketers and scammers find it. Many callers falsely claim to be "from Google" and threaten suspension, ask for a "verification fee", request an OTP or code, or sell guaranteed rankings and review packages. Google doesn't cold-call businesses for payment or codes, and Business Profiles are free. Never share codes, never pay unknown callers, keep your account secure with two-step verification, use a business number with call filtering, and report scam numbers.
"Sir, I'm calling from Google Maps, your listing will be removed unless you renew for ₹4,999 today." This call reaches thousands of Indian businesses every week. It's not Google.
Common scam scripts
| Script | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Your Google listing will be suspended unless you pay" | Business Profiles are free; Google doesn't sell renewals |
| "Share the OTP/code we just sent to verify" | The caller is trying to take over your account |
| "We guarantee #1 ranking on Maps" | Nobody can guarantee rankings |
| "Buy 200 reviews package" | Fake reviews violate policy and risk your profile |
| "Your profile is unverified, pay to verify" | Verification is free |
| "We're Google partners, pay annual fee" | Google partners don't threaten or demand fees for profiles |
See free or paid scams.
What Google actually does
Google may contact businesses in limited situations (for example, during some verification processes or for Google Ads accounts you created). It won't ask you for payment to keep a free profile, and you should never read out codes to anyone.
Protect your profile
- Two-step verification on your Google account.
- You as primary owner; others as managers (managers).
- Review People and access monthly.
- Never share codes or passwords.
- Check for unexpected edits weekly (edits pending).
If you think someone gained access, follow hacked or lost access.
Reduce spam calls
- Use a dedicated business number with call filtering or IVR (business phone numbers).
- Register DND preferences for promotional calls (TRAI/DND via your operator) — this limits registered telemarketers, not scammers.
- Truecaller business profile helps you identify callers and your own calls appear trustworthy (Truecaller).
- Block and report repeated scam numbers in your phone and to the Sanchar Saathi Chakshu facility for suspected fraud communications.
- Train staff: "We don't make payments or share codes over phone calls."
Real agencies vs scammers
Legitimate agencies:
- Send a written proposal.
- Don't threaten suspension.
- Ask to be added as managers, not for passwords.
- Provide GST invoices and contracts (choosing an agency).
Example: a clinic in Kanpur
A receptionist received a call claiming the clinic's Google listing would be deleted and was asked to read out a code sent by SMS. She refused and informed the doctor. The doctor checked the profile — no issues — enabled two-step verification, removed an unknown manager added years ago and trained staff on the script. Later "Google" calls were simply ignored.
Checklist
- 2-step verification enabled
- Owner/manager list reviewed
- Staff trained not to share codes or pay
- Business number with filtering
- Scam numbers blocked and reported
Sources and further reading
- Google Business Profile Help — "Avoid scams" and Business Profile policies: support.google.com/business
- Sanchar Saathi (Department of Telecommunications) — reporting suspected fraud: sancharsaathi.gov.in
A staff script for suspicious calls
Print this near the phone:
"Thank you for calling. We don't make payments or share codes over the phone. If this is about our Google listing, please email us and the owner will check it directly in our account."
Then hang up politely. Real partners will email; scammers usually stop.
How scammers find you — and what you can control
When you list a phone number publicly, it can be scraped by marketing databases. You can't stop that completely, but you can reduce damage:
- Use a business number separate from your personal mobile, so spam doesn't flood your personal life.
- Route calls through IVR ("Press 1 for appointments") — many robocalls drop off (business phone numbers).
- Use call-blocking apps carefully, making sure they don't block real customers.
- Keep WhatsApp Business for customer chats so you can filter unknown messages.
Fake "Google partner" emails
Phishing emails may mimic Google, asking you to "verify your listing" through a link. Check the sender domain, don't click unknown links, and always go to Google Maps or Search directly to check your profile. Turn on two-step verification so a stolen password alone can't take over your account (lost access).
If someone already changed your profile
Signs of tampering: new managers you don't know, a changed phone number or website, or the business marked closed. Remove unknown users, restore correct details, change your password, and contact support if needed.
Key takeaways
- Google Business Profiles are free; nobody legitimate asks for payment to keep them.
- Never share codes or passwords on calls.
- Use a business number, two-step verification and a staff script.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google charge for Business Profiles?
No, the profile is free.
Will Google call me to verify?
In some processes Google may contact you, but never for payment or to ask you to read out a code you didn't request.
Can I remove my phone from Google to stop calls?
You can, but you'd lose customer calls; use filtering instead.
Are all SEO agency calls scams?
No, but be cautious with unsolicited calls that pressure you.
What if I already paid a scammer?
Report to your bank and the cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in) promptly.
Can Google remove my number from spam lists?
No; Google doesn't control third-party databases. Use filtering and DND settings.
Are calls about "Google Ads" scams too?
Some are; legitimate Google Ads support contacts are usually tied to your own Ads account activity.
Should I report scam numbers?
Yes, report to your telecom operator, Sanchar Saathi and, if money was lost, the cybercrime portal.
Can I hide my phone and still get customers?
You'll lose calls; keep it visible and manage spam instead.