If you own a business and want to appear on Google Search and Maps, you need to verify your business on Google. 

This process helps Google ensure that your business information is accurate and that you are the only one who can edit it. 

However, you may also receive some phone calls that claim to be from Google and ask you to press 1 to verify your business. 

Are these calls legitimate or scams? How can you stop them? Here is what you need to know about Google verifying my business calls.

How To Verify Your Profile on Google

google-verify-my-business-calls

To verify your business on Google, you need to follow these steps:

  • Add or claim your Business Profile on Google. You can do this by signing in to your Google Business Profile account and following the instructions. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one for free.
  • Choose a verification method. Depending on your business category, public info, region, support hours, and volumes, you may be able to verify your business by phone, text, email, or video. You will see the available options on your screen. For example, if you choose phone verification, you will receive a call from Google with a code that you need to enter into your profile.
  • Wait for the verification to be completed. Sometimes, Google may need to review your verification before approving it. This can take up to seven business days. You will get a notification when your verification is done.
  • Update and manage your business information. Once verified, you can edit your profile, add photos, respond to reviews, and connect with your customers.

You can find more details about how to verify your business on Google here.

How to Spot and Stop Fake Google Verify My Business Calls

Free photo company employee answering landline phone call at corporate job, talking to manager on office cord telephone line. having remote conversation with phone number at work, business call.

Unfortunately, some scammers may try to take advantage of the verification process and call you pretending to be from Google. 

They may ask you to press 1 to verify your business, pay a fee, or share personal or financial information. 

These calls are not from Google and are not part of the verification process.

Here are some tips on how to spot and stop these fake calls:

  • Be skeptical of any unsolicited calls that claim to be from Google. Google does not call businesses like that to verify your business. If you are not sure if a call is from Google, hang up and contact Google directly through their official channels.
  • Do not press 1 or any other key on your phone. Pressing 1 does not verify your listing but may connect you to a scammer who will try to trick you into giving them money or information.
  • Do not share any personal or financial information with the caller. Scammers may use this information to steal your identity or money. If the caller asks for such information, hang up immediately.
  • Report the call to Google and the authorities. You can report the call to Google through this form. You can also report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.

You can find more tips on how to stop verifying my business phone calls here.

Conclusion

Verifying your business on Google is an important step to boost your online presence and reach more customers. 

However, you should also be aware of the potential scams that may try to exploit this process and call you with fake offers or threats. 

By following the official verification methods and being vigilant of any suspicious calls, you can protect yourself and your business from these fraudsters.

References:

1: How to verify your business on Google

3: How to stop Verify My Business phone calls

2: Junk Phone Call Alert: “Press 1 To Verify Your Google Listing”