The Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a game-changer for local businesses looking to establish an online presence. However, it’s also a playground for scammers looking to hijack your hard-earned profile. In this post, we’re putting special focus on a current, widespread issue: “Owner Requests Scams”. We’ll delve into its dirty details before covering other types of Google Business Profile hijacking scams you should also be wary of.
Recommended Reading: What is a Google Business Account and Why do I need it?
**Secure a hacked or compromised Google Account**
The Stats: How Bad is the Problem?
According to reports from the Google My Business Help Community and the Better Business Bureau, Google Business Profile hijacking is on the rise. “Owner Requests Scams” are especially prevalent right now. Though exact statistics are hard to pin down, anecdotal evidence suggests that these scams have spiked in recent years, affecting businesses of all sizes.
Urgent Alert: The “Owner Requests” Scam
Explanation
Scammers send a “transfer of ownership” request to your business. If the listed owner doesn’t respond to Google’s Notification email within 5 business days, Google may automatically approve the request.
Real-world Examples
A pet store receives an email claiming that a new owner needs profile access.
How it Affects Businesses
Once the scammer gains control, they can redirect all your incoming traffic and inquiries.
Recommended Reading: How to respond to negative Google reviews: A Complete Guide
How to Avoid the “Owner Requests” Hijacking and other Scams
Don’t let the “Owner Requests” scam catch you off guard. Taking proactive steps can help you keep your Google Business Profile safe and secure. Here’s how:
- Double-Check Notifications: Always verify the authenticity of any “transfer of ownership” request emails directly through your Google Business Profile dashboard.
- Set Up Multiple Admins: Having multiple administrators ensures that if one person misses the notification, someone else may catch it.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an additional layer of security and could deter scammers from attempting to hijack your account.
- Monitor Your Profile: Regularly check your profile information to ensure nothing has been altered without your permission.
If You Fall Victim to Google Business Profile Hijacking or other Scams
So you’ve been hit by a Google Business Profile hijacking. It’s a rough spot, but not the end of the world. Take the following actions to regain control and minimize damage:
- Report to Google: Immediately report the hijacking to Google My Business support to begin the reclaiming process.
- Change Passwords: Secure your linked Google account by changing passwords and reviewing account activity for unfamiliar actions.
- Audit Profile: Once regained, check all the information on your profile. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and other essential details are correct.
- Notify Customers: Use other channels like social media or email to inform your customers about the situation and any potential fake promotions or changes.
Taking these steps can help you prevent or recover from hijacking, but for advanced protection, consider consulting security or marketing professionals for a comprehensive strategy.
**Secure a hacked or compromised Google Account**
Other Scams to Watch Out For
The “Owner Requests” scam is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are other types of scams that are also wreaking havoc on businesses:
1. Impersonation
Explanation
Scammers create duplicate profiles, often using slight variations in the name or address. This works because Google doesn’t strictly regulate the creation of new business listings, making it easy for imposters to claim they are a branch or related entity.
Real-world Examples
Bob’s Pizzeria suddenly finds another “Bob’s Pizzeria” listed two blocks away.
How it Affects Businesses
The fake listing can siphon away customers and mess with your search engine rankings.
Recommended Reading: How to Create a Google Account for Business: A Complete Guide
2. Changing Business Info
Explanation
Once a hijacker gains control, they modify your business address, phone number, or website to divert customers. The scam works because people usually trust Google Business Profile information implicitly.
Real-world Examples
A salon finds its address changed to a competitor’s location.
How it Affects Businesses
Customers get misdirected, affecting both revenue and credibility.
3. Fake Reviews
Explanation
Scammers can flood your profile with fake reviews. This works because Google’s automated system is not perfect at identifying fraudulent reviews.
Real-world Examples
A local bakery gets ten 1-star reviews overnight.
How it Affects Businesses
Negative reviews deter customers, while unusually positive reviews could lead to Google penalties.
Recommended Reading: The Best Ways to Respond to Google Reviews
4. URL Redirects
Explanation
The scammer alters the business website URL to redirect to their own site. This works because URL changes don’t trigger a strong enough alert for the actual business owner from Google.
Real-world Examples
A dental clinic’s URL gets changed to a phishing website.
How it Affects Businesses
Customers risk being victims of a data breach, leading to severe reputation damage.
Recommended Reading: Does Bounce Rate Affect Google Ranking? A Complete Guide
5. Ransom Demands
Explanation
After gaining control, the scammer demands a ransom to return the profile. This tactic is effective because many businesses would rather pay a small fee than go through the hassle of reclaiming their profile.
Real-world Examples
A coffee shop is asked to pay $500 in Bitcoin to regain profile control.
How it Affects Businesses
Financial loss and damaged reputation are the direct consequences.
6. SEO Spam
Explanation
Scammers flood your profile with links and keywords irrelevant to your business. This tactic exploits Google’s algorithm, which may then categorize your business incorrectly.
Real-world Examples
A gym finds its business description riddled with links to a supplement website.
How it Affects Businesses
Poor SEO practices could lead to penalties from Google, affecting your visibility and rankings.
Recommended Reading: The What, Why, and How of an SEO Audit with Google Search Console
7. Coupon Scams
Explanation
Fake coupons are offered using your business name, which is effective because most customers don’t verify promotions directly with the business.
Real-world Examples
A restaurant supposedly offers a 50% discount coupon.
How it Affects Businesses
The fake offers tarnish your reputation when customers discover they’ve been duped.
8. Lead Theft
Explanation
Inquiries and leads can be rerouted to either the scammer’s business or sold to third parties. This works because the average user can’t distinguish between a legitimate and hijacked profile.
Real-world Examples
A plumbing service misses multiple service calls that were routed elsewhere.
How it Affects Businesses
Every stolen lead is a potential loss in revenue and reputation.
9. Competitive Sabotage
Explanation
A competitor might hijack your profile simply to edit your business hours or list you as “permanently closed”. The scam is effective because it directly impacts customer access to your business.
Real-world Examples
A local spa finds its business hours changed to “Closed” on all weekdays.
How it Affects Businesses
Customers assume you’re out of business, diverting traffic to competitors.
Wrapping It Up: Be Proactive, Stay Diligent
Navigating the murky waters of Google Business Profile scams can feel overwhelming, but remember: knowledge is power. By staying vigilant, double-checking notifications, and keeping an eye on your profile, you’re already building a strong defense against the notorious “Owner Requests” hijacking scam.
But even if you find yourself a victim of hijacking, all is not lost. Immediate action reporting the incident to Google, securing your accounts, and correcting your profile can go a long way in damage control.
For those looking to fortify their online presence, many marketing agencies offer off-page SEO services, including reputation management, which can help you monitor and safeguard against a myriad of scams. The key is layers of monitoring and diligence; the more layers, the harder you make it for scammers to crack through. The peace of mind that comes from that kind of robust protection? Priceless.
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