Help protect against fraudulent calls and texts

As a business owner, you can receive different types of phone calls and texts, including some from automated systems. As an owner, you need to understand the difference between trusted automated systems and scams.

How to identify legitimate calls from Google

Automated calls come from a set of designated numbers. We might call about things like checking your business info on Google Maps, making reservations, confirming price and availability of services and in-store products, or scheduling appointments for Google users. Sometimes, these calls are from a manual operator. Learn about automated calls and texts from Google to your business.

You’ll hear that the call is from Google and why they're calling. For example, you might hear:

“Hi! I'm calling from Google Maps to update your business hours. This is an automated service, so this call is recorded to help improve Google services. Can you tell me your opening hours for the week?”
"Hi! We’re helping people find restaurants. This is an automated service from Google, and this call is recorded to help improve Google services. Do you offer vegetarian dishes?"

Important:

You might get calls from Google operators for help with your Google Ads, Google Play, or other Google Accounts. However, we’ll never ask you for payment information over the phone or guarantee you a special spot in our products.
You won’t be asked to sign up for a service, pay money, or give personal info.
These calls are only for businesses that have public phone numbers for the purpose of receiving calls from the general public. If businesses don’t want to accept these calls, they can opt-out by simply saying so on the call.

How to identify legitimate texts and WhatsApp messages from Google

Businesses in certain countries may receive WhatsApp messages or text messages from Google to collect or confirm their Business Profile information. To protect your business, you should only respond to communication from Google's verified official accounts:

WhatsApp: You can identify the official account by looking for the blue verification checkmark . The verified WhatsApp account name will appear as “Google Maps” or "Google Maps" followed by your country name, like “Google Maps Indonesia”. Learn more about WhatsApp verified business accounts.
RCS messages: If you have RCS messaging enabled on your Android or iOS mobile device, you can identify messages from official accounts by looking for the blue verification checkmark next to the sender’s name. For RCS messages, the registered business name will appear as “Google.” Learn about RCS chats with registered businesses.

Important: Google will never ask you for private or sensitive information. If you receive a message from an unverified account or a profile name that does not match this official format, do not respond, click any links, or provide any information.

How to handle suspicious calls and texts

People and companies make suspicious calls and texts to trick others. They might say they work “with Google” or “for Google.” They sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call

If someone calls you pretending to be from Google, hang up. Do not press any buttons even if the voice prompt tells you to. Pressing buttons might lead you to more suspicious calls.

Report suspicious calls in the US

If you keep getting suspicious calls, submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To file a formal complaint:

Go to www.donotcall.gov.
Call 1-888-382-1222.

You can also submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.

Help find scammers

These calls are bothersome, and Google understands that. We're committed to doing our part to try to stop these calls. However, this isn’t always within our control. For example, many of these callers use untraceable phone numbers and other cloaking tactics.

Help us track calls that pretend to be from Google. Tell us about it on our webform and include:

The caller’s company and contact info.
Any emails or documentation received from the caller as part of a follow-up.
Any additional info about the call.

What to do if you receive a suspicious text or WhatsApp message

If you receive an unexpected text message asking for personal or financial information:

Do not click any links: Legitimate companies will not text you to ask for sensitive account information.
Validate the message independently: If you think the text might be real, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website. Do not use any contact information provided within the text message itself.

Report suspicious texts and WhatsApp messages on your messaging app

Android: Learn how to report spam in Google Messages
iOS: Learn about how to report spam and block senders in Messages on iPhone
WhatsApp: Learn more about reporting and blocking on WhatsApp

Stop future fraudulent calls and texts

Read the FTC’s tips on how to handle unwanted calls and spam texts.
Ask your phone company to block calls and texts from problematic numbers.
If you are in the US:
- Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at https://www.donotcall.gov/ or call 1-888-382-1222.
- For scam texts, copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
- Report fraudulent calls and texts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.