As a business owner, you can receive different types of phone calls, including some from automated systems. As an owner, you need to understand the difference between trusted automated systems and scams.
Identify legitimate calls from Google
Automated calls
- Automated calls come from a set of designated numbers. 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. Given the current health situation, I just want to update your business hours. I'm an automated service, so this call is recorded to help improve Google services. Can you tell me your 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. Are you currently open for people to eat inside?
- 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.
Google operators
- 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.
What to do if you get a suspicious call
There are people and companies that make suspicious calls to trick people. They might say they work “with Google” or “for Google” to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.
Many of these calls aren’t allowed under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them) and Google is never behind them.
Here’s what to do if you get a suspicious call:
Report suspicious call 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.
Hang up
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.
Help us find the scammers
These calls are bothersome and Google understands that. We're committed to doing our part to try to put a stop to 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 report directly via 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.
Stop future fake calls
- Read the FTC’s tips on how to handle unwanted calls, and robocalls resources.
- Ask your phone company to see if they can block calls from any problematic numbers.
- If you're in the US, register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at:
- www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx
- Or call 1-888-382-1222.
Learn more about identifying scams in the Google Safety Center.