Hi @DeniGu Thanks for reiterating the importance of these policies. It’s crucial for the integrity of Google Maps and the Local Guides program that reviews are genuine and unbiased. I completely agree that accepting payment for reviews goes against the core principles of our community. As a Local Guide, I am committed to contributing honestly and without any monetary incentive. We all need to ensure we uphold these standards to keep Google Maps trustworthy for everyone 
.
Yes, dear friend…
Best regards dear… @Laurent
Greetings from India
This is the second thread I’ve read like this @Bipul_Ramchiary. The other one was about persons being paid to do Edits. We all have to ignore these WhatsApp appeals and just do what’s right.
Thanks @tony_b for comment. We should ignore such msg, but there is a man who does such work for a few money.
@Bipul_Ramchiary Thanks for sharing this important alert! Being cautious of fake reviews is crucial to maintaining the trustworthiness of Google Maps. Appreciate your diligence in investigating and reporting this. Will definitely spread the word and encourage others to do the same. 
Thank you @Hashi_sho for your comment. We must ignore this type of msg/emails.
Dear @Hashmat_Bro
Apologies if my words seemed harsh earlier, but as Local Guides, it’s our responsibility to spread awareness and stand against scams. Google Maps is not a platform for earning money—our reviews should reflect genuine personal experiences, not paid promotions. This is a voluntary social service, not a marketplace.
Let me share my own experience to shed light on this.
When I first started contributing to Google Maps around two years ago, I was new and unaware of such scams. I received a message on WhatsApp from someone claiming to be associated with Google Maps. Trusting them, I posted reviews in return for small payments like ₹200–₹300. But later, they added me to a Telegram group filled with fake users. These scammers assigned “tasks” and promised bonuses, tricking me into paying ₹2,000 INR. Once I sent the money, I realized it was a scam. I deleted all the fake reviews and learned a valuable lesson the hard way.
These scams are cleverly designed—fake users share screenshots pretending to receive high payments and bonuses, creating a false sense of trust. But once you pay them, you won’t get your money back. It’s a trap. I still don’t know how they got my WhatsApp number, but this is happening to many Local Guides.
So, I urge all my fellow LGs, especially newcomers:
Never accept money for reviews.
Report such messages and scammers.
Stay true to the ethics of the Local Guides community.
If you ever receive a message asking you to give paid reviews, please ignore it and report it to your local cybercrime authorities.
@AngieYC @DeniGu – I humbly request you to pin this message so that more new members can be protected and informed.
If I’ve said anything incorrect or inappropriate, please feel free to correct me. Thank you for understanding.
Warm regards,
D. Rahul
Level 8 Local Guide
Dear @DaripelliRahul ji, It was truly valuable to read your detailed and important note. I sincerely thank you for sharing this experience and for your efforts to raise awareness within the Local Guides community.
I completely agree with all your points, especially regarding not accepting money for reviews and reporting scams. This is a crucial lesson for all of us, and it’s absolutely true that Google Maps is a voluntary service, not a marketplace. Thank you once again for sharing this valuable information.
I am aware of everything, I just told my theme that I have confessed it but there must be many users who are doing all this, which means everyone has done it That’s why he is commenting on me because he did it first and then he is making me understand.
And you also brought your point to reality, this thing about Rs. 2000
You guys kept your words hidden and are talking to me from above ..
@TravellerG @Laurent @tony_b @Hashi_sho @DaripelliRahul
[quote=“DaripelliRahul, post:27, topic:478441”]
. Trusting them, I posted reviews in return for small payments like ₹200–₹300. But later, they added me to a Telegram group filled with fake users. These scammers assigned “tasks” and promised bonuses, tricking me into paying ₹2,000 INR. Once I sent the money, I realized it was a scam. I deleted all the fake reviews and learned a valuable lesson the hard way.
This one 
@Laurent @TravellerG @tony_b @Hashi_sho @DaripelliRahul @AngieYC
He is knowing that thing, that is why he is saying this and you too are saying that everything is there but no one wants to tell.
@Hashmat_Bro
Let me explain clearly. What happened to me was 2 years ago, when I was completely new to the Local Guides program. As a newcomer, I truly didn’t understand what was fake and what was real. I joined a fake ratings system unknowingly, thinking it was something linked to Google Maps. They gave small tasks, offered ₹200–₹300, and later scammed me by demanding ₹2,000 through a Telegram group.
That was a hard lesson for me. Once I realized it was a scam, I deleted everything and moved forward honestly. Since then, I’ve never supported or promoted such activities. I’ve grown by learning and contributing with a clear understanding of what it means to be a Local Guide.
We are here to build trust and support people. This is not a money-making platform — it’s a social service. We help others with real reviews, accurate photos, and honest information.
So, I suggest you to stop 
these kinds of things and start contributing in good ways. Help the community. Don’t misguide new users. Don’t let scams damage the trust we’re building. Let’s stand together and make Google Maps a reliable space for everyone. 
Warm regards,
D. Rahul
Level 8 Local Guide
Well my brother, I was also the one who would explain to everyone that I have confessed, then those people demand it but I should not get involved in it
I was explaining to you all what I had done but it didn’t matter, it was good that due to me you all came to know.
But you all should stay away from fraud scammers. Well, there was a lot of debate on this matter and you all got to learn a lot from me that don’t do this, otherwise there is no point in coming to LGCs.