I am currently updating several listings in my area, but I’m running into issues with phone number suggestions being rejected. I’d appreciate some advice on how to get these verified.
Old Location: I visited the original spot, found it closed, and submitted a “Permanently Closed” or “Moved” update with photos of the closed venue as proof.
New Location: I located the new studio (about 100 meters away) and uploaded fresh photos of the new venue.
The Issue: While the location updates are moving through, my suggestion to add the phone number for the new venue was rejected.
Case 2: Actisum Center
I attempted to update the contact number for this center as well. As proof, I uploaded a clear photo of their official visiting card, yet the edit was still rejected.
My Question:
What is the best way to get a phone number updated when the automated system rejects the initial suggestion?
Hi @Ankitsrivastava , thank you for asking.
The only option to have a phone number uploaded or corrected is that the phone number is available in a public directory under the name of the business.
This reason is to avoid scammers to create a fake documentation to redirect the call somewhere else. We had a quite famous case of this type in the past. That’s why uploading a photo is totally useless.
Of course, if the business is claimed in Google Maps, the business owner can easily fix the number by itself. If is not claimed, this is a good opportunity for us to suggest them to claim it. On this way they can better interact with the customers, improve the visibility of the listing, protect themselves against frauds
But I have seen many cases where POIs have different phone number which doesn’t belong to the owner. and it doesn’t get changed if we suggests an edit to the place.
What are you referring to as a visiting card @Ankitsrivastava. I usually use a photo of the sign outside the building. Also, in my country a phone number change would not be required for a property just 100 meters away from the original location.
“Hi @Ankitsrivastava! I understand how frustrating it can be when edits like phone numbers get rejected even after providing clear photo proof. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to keeping the map accurate. Sometimes the automated system acts up, but you can try escalating this issue in the ‘How-tos’ section here on Connect. Don’t give up!”
It is very likely depending on the country, @tony_b and @MohammedAbdulRaouf. I did read here many times that Google checks public directory entries and rejects, if the number is not found under the name of the listing and a “photo proof” never counts, because it could be manipulated too.
@tony_b That makes sense! It’s interesting how much the approval standards vary from country to country. Glad to hear those phone number edits are working smoothly for you.
