Someone recently called my sister, speaking in Malayalam, and said they were from Google Maps . They asked her about the opening hours of her shop. We are a bit concerned because this was an unexpected call, and we’re not sure if it was really from Google.
Has anyone else received a similar call?
Does Google actually make phone calls in regional languages like Malayalam to verify business info?
They didn’t ask for any OTP or sensitive info, but we just want to be sure it’s safe.
Thank you for sharing this. Was your sister trying to verify or claim her buisness on GMB? That is the only one reason I can think about to make Google call you.
Nevertheless be careful and don’t give out any personal or sensitive information about yourselves or your buisness. Moreover don’t give out anything about your bank details or anything financial,especially money.
I have heard about it from many business owners, they get phone calls when they edit/update any business information on Google Maps, it was from Google Business team.
Thankyou for your valuable response,
Yes, my sister’s business was already listed, but she accidentally removed the business profile. We later found it through Google Search and were able to reclaim it using the same email she originally used—this was over a month ago.
Not sure, I might confuse names now, but didn’t you ask recently, why you, as a local guide cannot change the phone number? In any case, very likely, this was the verification Google does to ensure, it is the correct number.
Sir, I think there’s a little confusion. This is not the same restaurant I may have mentioned before—this is my own sister’s business. It’s already an approved business with the correct number verified earlier.
Recently, the Google Maps team called regarding the opening hours, and they spoke in our local language, which is why I was a bit unsure at first. But everything seems fine now.
Hi @Anaswara555
The only think you and your sister absolutely need to know is that Google Business Profile is a service Google provide for free. If they are just asking for checking with you some change and they don’t ask you money they are Google.
Unfortunately a lot of agencies call the businesses claiming they are Google, declaring that you have to pay for them to fix something in your profile. In that case for sure they are not Google
Thanks for the heads-up! we verified the call yesterday, and it turns out the number is owned by Google. So yes, it was a genuine call from their side .
But you’re totally right — many agencies do pretend to be Google, so it’s always good to double-check. Appreciate you looking out