Jan 8, 2025
My Business Was Claimed and Renamed by a Competitor – Need Help Recovering It
Hi everyone,
I recently discovered that my business was claimed by a competitor, and they changed the business name. However, all the existing reviews still mention my original business name, indicating that the listing was previously mine. I have all the official documents to prove my ownership of the business.
How can I reclaim my business and restore the correct information? I’d really appreciate any guidance on how to resolve this issue.
Thank you!
Details
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All Replies (3)
Jan 8, 2025
Hello. Thank you for contacting the Help Community.
Have you requested Ownership of your Google Business Profile through this process?: https://support.google.com/business/answer/4566671
This process will allow you to re-verify the listing under your Google account, as Primary Owner.
This process will allow you to re-verify the listing under your Google account, as Primary Owner.
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Please note that I am a volunteer in this Community, not a Google employee.
Jan 17, 2025
Jan 17, 2025
Based on your description, when you go to the verification page and click the 'next' button, Google prompts you to enter the PIN code from the postcard and when you click the 'Change Option' button on that page, you are taken back to the main verification page - which only shows the postcard option. Do I have that correct?
If so, then I recommend that you submit a 3rd Party Complaint through this form: https://support.google.com/business/contact/gmb_3p_complaints
** Choose the 'Third party represents your business' information inaccurately on Google Maps' option.
Jan 9, 2025
You are in a serious situation and you need to take immediate action. Please follow this step-by-step guide to reclaim your business.
1. Submit an Ownership Request
First, attempt to request ownership of the profile:
2. File a Redressal Complaint
- Go to Google Maps and search for your business.
- Click on your business name.
- Select "Claim this business" or "Own this business?"
- Click "Request access."
- Fill out the form with your details and explain that you are the rightful owner.
If your ownership request is denied or ignored:
3. Contact Google Support
- Visit the Google Business Profile Help Center.
- Fill out a Redressal form, which is a formal complaint.
- Provide detailed information about the violation and your business.
- Upload supporting documents including:
- Business license
- Utility bills showing your business address
- Official registration documents
- Photos of your storefront or signage
- Visit the Google Business Profile Help Center.
- Click on "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page.
- Explain your situation in detail, emphasizing that a competitor has fraudulently claimed your listing.
Provide the following documents to Google:
5. Monitor and Follow Up
6. Consider Legal Action
- Your business license
- Tax documents showing your business name and address
- A copy of your driver's license
- Utility bills in your business name
- Any other official documents that prove your ownership
- Keep a close eye on your email for responses from Google.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
- Be persistent if you don't receive a response within a few days
If Google support doesn't resolve the issue, consult with a lawyer specializing in business or internet law. They may be able to help you take legal action against the competitor for fraudulent activity.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Jan 9, 2025
Thank you so much, Peter, for your response. I am now proceeding with these steps, starting with the Redressal Complaint. I hope for smooth and effective communication with Google throughout this process. 😊
Jan 31, 2025
Feb 8, 2025
Feb 12, 2025
I am getting this (https://snipboard.io/Btx7Mo.jpg) when clicked on change options , like nothing happens . Also i have found that google will not send postcard in nepal , is it true ?