Google Does Not Do Robocalls
In the previous installments, we’ve explained how to set up a Google My Business page for your business, and how to make sure all of the information on that page is accurate and verified. We’ve also talked about the valuable insights you can get from the reports from Google showing how many views your page had, how many people clicked on your page, etc.
And this is valuable information for your business. More new potential clients are discovering your business and that is helping it grow. Of course, along with those new customers seeing your Google My Business page, there are also unscrupulous businesses and companies who see it, too.
Who’s calling me about my Google My Business Page?
Your business has increased visibility – which is obviously a very good thing for potential customers. But it also opens the door for robocalls. Don’t fret, though, Google has ways to prevent unwanted calls and to report them to Google.
What’s a robocall? Robocall scams are automated phone calls using recorded messages that may ask you to press a button to speak to a sales rep. Google doesn’t make these calls, so if it’s not a real person right from the start (and you didn’t request an automated call from Google), it’s not Google.
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make these calls, even though they are breaking the law. Sometimes, robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.
These types of robocalls calls are illegal under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them.
4 Things You Can Do About Fake Google Robocalls
Here’s what to do if you receive an unwanted automated robocall:
1. Hang Up
If you receive an unwanted robocall from a recorded voice claiming to be Google or working with Google, hang up immediately. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may mean you will receive more unwanted calls.
2. Prevent unwanted calls
The Federal Trade Commission has established a Robocalls resources website with additional information about robocalls and steps you can take if you receive one.
3. Take steps to protect yourself in the future from these types of situations
• Check out the FTC’s tips on how to handle unwanted calls
• Check with your phone company to see if they can block calls from any problematic numbers.
• Register your personal number with the National Do Not Call Registry website or call 1-888-382-1222.
4. Report suspicious calls
If you continue to receive unwanted calls, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission. Go to their website or call 1-888-382-1222 to file a formal complaint. You can also submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission on their website.
Help Google track down robocallers
Google understands that these types of calls can be very bothersome and Google is actively working to try to put a stop to these calls. However, this isn’t always within Google’s control; for example, callers may use untraceable phone numbers. You can help Google track robocalls that falsely associate themselves with Google. Contact Google directly via this webform and include the following information:
• The caller’s company and contact information
• Any emails or documentation received from the caller as part of a follow-up
• Any additional information about the call
When might Google contact you?
You may receive a phone call from Google to verify your business or confirm business details for Google Maps or Google My Business. You may also receive a phone call about Google AdWords, Google Play or other Google products. Unless you specifically requested an automated call, a call from Google will always be from a live person, not a recorded voice. Any emails from Google should come from an email address ending in “@google.com.”
