Rodrigo_P's post
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

How to identify and report fraud on Google Maps

Googler

UPDATE: As of June 11, 2020, we now have a new process in place for reporting abusive activity on Google Maps. You can report entire profiles on Google Maps from your mobile device. Read this post to learn more.

 

Have you ever come across a place on Google Maps that doesn’t really exist? How about a place with incorrect details that look suspicious? These edits violate the Google My Business guidelines and Local Guides guidelines, and they’re considered fraud.

 

People post fraud on Google Maps for the sake of profit-generating scams, which hurt legitimate businesses and make Maps less useful for everyone. You can help fight spam by reporting violations.

 

 

Maps listings with keywords in their address fieldsMaps listings with keywords in their address fields

 

 

.:: How do I identify fraud on Google Maps? Look for the following.

 

  • Businesses that list a P.O. Box, post office or virtual office as an address. A business needs to have a real-world address to be listed on Google Maps. Virtual offices and shared workspaces are acceptable if they’re staffed during typical business hours, but be aware that using these types of places as addresses is a popular fraud technique. P.O. Boxes are OK in countries where they are essential, such as Kenya and the U.A.E.
  • Online-only businesses. Online businesses that don’t meet customers face-to-face are not eligible to be on Maps.
  • Businesses that don’t exist. If a business is on Maps but is not real, it should be reported.
  • Businesses that use employees’ addresses. The scam here is to make it appear that the business has locations in places where it doesn’t actually operate. If you see a business that seems to be in a purely residential area, this might be the reason.
  • Keyword “stuffing.” If you see search terms “stuffed” into place names or address fields, that’s a sign of a fraudulent listing.
  • Fake websites or phone numbers. For example, a fraudulent hotel listing might include a hotel booking site instead of a site for an individual business. If a business’s site seems broken or distributes malware, that’s a sign of a fraudulent listing.
  • Business impersonators: Some people create fake listings for real businesses, such as national chains. If you think a listing might be fraudulent, check the brand’s official site to see its legitimate locations.
  • Reviews that point out abuse. Sometimes, people will notice a fraudulent listing and note it in a review.
  • Profanity. Sometimes, people will deface legitimate listings with edits that include foul language.
  • Illegal businesses: If a business is illegal where it operates, it can’t be on Google Maps.

 

.::How do I report fraud on Google Maps?

 

  1. Find the business on Google Maps
  2. Scroll down and select Suggest an edit
  3. Tap Place is permanently closed or has never existed
  4. Select Spam, fake or offensive as the reason
  5. Tap Submit

Report the listing as spam flowReport the listing as spam flow

 

 

.::Reporting a Local Guide

If you've found a Local Guide contributing content or behaving in a way that seems to violate our policies or Local Guides program rules, you now have the ability to report these profiles directly in the Google Maps app. In order to do so, click on the user name in the list of Reviews/Photos they contributed or the Question/Answer they posted to get to their profile page. Once on their profile page, click on the three dot icon. Choose ‘Report’ from the menu on iOS or ‘Report profile’ on Android. For additional information, read this post.

 

.::Reporting spammed, fake, or duplicate prominent locations to Google Moderators

There are certain prominent places which Local Guides can’t edit in Google Maps, such as cities, towns, rivers, natural formations, and more. If you come across a spammed, fake or duplicate location for which you cannot submit an edit or your edit is automatically rejected, let us know in a comment below. Make sure to tag a Google Moderator and provide the following details: 

 

  • Google Maps URL of the location (Eg: https://goo.gl/maps/qAZfCWDfZzoqchHL9);
  • What’s wrong with the place? Is it spammed, fake, or duplicate?
  • Which is the wrong information? Is it the name, category, or contact information?
  • What should the correct information be? Tell us the original name of the place in English and in the local language (if applicable), the right category (Zoo, Museum, etc.), and the correct contact information (official website, address, phone number, etc.).
2,851 Comments
Level 6

thank you @ErmesT so reporting individual or a group is just the same procedure?

 

again thanks

Proud to be Pinoy!
Connect Moderator
Level 6

@ErmesT wrote:

Yes, @Ronnel, if you have to report one or more LG the procedure is the same. 


got it. 🙂

Proud to be Pinoy!
Level 6

@TraciC i want to report bunch of spammers i think its just a same guy as the pattern revolves around those profiles only, do i have to start another thread or tagging you is enough?

 

thanks

Proud to be Pinoy!
Level 10

Hi @TraciC @JeslynL

 

PLEASE contact me privately as I want to report a spammer local guide .

 

 

Level 10

@MariaBi@Ann-MarieSthere is someone doing the same for a travel agency in kenya


@Ann-MarieS wrote:

Hi!

I want to report a spammer who has changed a lot of hotel websites to its travel/booking website. 

The website that has been changed to looks quite genuine because it does not actually contain the company name but has the hotels name.

I suspected a spammer because I had originally added websites to some of the hotels and now have to  "verify facts" to this fake website. 

 

@TraciC @GusMoreira

I am not sure if I can share the company name /website doing the changes for action to be taken.

 

Ann


 

Former Google Contributor

@NABILazeez, I have reached out to you privately. Please check your inbox, thank you.

New to Connect? Check out Help Desk! Always keep in mind the Local Guides program rules when posting.

Former Google Contributor

Hi @WaweruM,

 

Is this related to an abuse on Google Maps and/or Local Guides? If you find a review or photo that you think violates our policies, you can use the 'flag/report as inappropriate' icon next to the contribution. A team of specialists will then check if it violates any of our policies (https://goo.gl/dsVNTC & https://goo.gl/G87xzJ) and will take appropriate action.

 

The content review sometimes takes time as the team is careful to only remove content that violates policy. Please note that we'll never be able to share the specialists' decision as we respect everyone's privacy. Please see also this post to learn more.

 

Many thanks for your help.

 

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Level 9

I still hope I will be contacted by moderator...  

Level 6

 

@Ildarcheg im sure they will 🙂

 

Proud to be Pinoy!
Level 8

Hi @Ronnel,

I will recommend you to start a new thread.

 

It will allow tracking the status of each report request more easily.

Level 6

@YK1001 i wonder on which board i should post my report? and who among the moderators should i tag? i want to report a group of spammers that have been making fake reviews and adding non existing maps near me

Proud to be Pinoy!
Level 10

@MariaBiI noticed that most Google My business accounts for Hotels were redirecting to this travel agency, i have edited some and put the official websites for the hotels and flagged some but it seems like they have really done this to many properties.

Former Google Contributor

Thanks a lot for clarifying @WaweruM -  we will contact you soon with further instructions via PM. 

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Level 10

Hi @JeslynL, I want to report a spammer   - please, contact me. 

Deep visit of Hong Kong series: Visit Hong Kong 101 | Cha Chaan Teng 茶餐廳 | Cart noodle 車仔麪

Fine me on Instagram: brett.to.go
Level 10

@JeslynL

Thank you dear for your consideration. 

 

Googler

@Brett I will send you a private message with details on how to share with the team. 


Note: Due to the volume of private messages Googlers receive, I do not read or respond to private messages. Please post publicly so others may benefit from your discussion. If you require urgent assistance, please tag a Google Moderator. Thank you!.
Googler

@Ildarcheg Tagging me (or any Google Moderator) lets me know you've read the post and want to report a specific Local Guide. I'll send you a private message now.

 

@Ronnel Will also send you a private message. 


Note: Due to the volume of private messages Googlers receive, I do not read or respond to private messages. Please post publicly so others may benefit from your discussion. If you require urgent assistance, please tag a Google Moderator. Thank you!.
Level 9

Thank you @TraciC, just received the message and reported using the way I have been suggested. 

Level 9

Saudações

 

1º Vá para o Menu.

2º Enviar FeedBack

3º Escreva o seu texto dentro do espaço.

4º Se possível faça um PrintScreem da tela.

5º Outros comentários.

 

Apresente o seu argumento.

 

boa sorte.

 

 


Level 8

I found a marketing agency using local guides under their business name and id like to report them please

Former Google Contributor

Hi @DivineMsM, I have gotten in touch with you via private message with more details on reporting such accounts. Check your inbox, thank you!

New to Connect? Check out Help Desk! Always keep in mind the Local Guides program rules when posting.

Level 8

Thanks - I've sent the information

Level 8

How long does it generally take for someones account to be assessed and action taken?

Level 8
Former Google Contributor

Hi @Teejai@Przemo, we have never shared such information publicly on Connect. We look into each report and take action when necessary but are are unable to share the results due to various privacy concerns.

New to Connect? Check out Help Desk! Always keep in mind the Local Guides program rules when posting.

Level 8

That's fine. Just wondering, obviously if nothing is done then it was a bad report. People should be praised as they are doing the right thing. 🙂

Level 6

@TraciC wrote:

@leonovep  Our process is as follows: If you find a review or photo that you think violates our policies, you can use the 'flag as inappropriate' icon next to the contribution. A team of specialists will then check if it violates any of our policies (https://goo.gl/dsVNTC, https://goo.gl/G87xzJ) and will take appropriate action. The review sometimes takes time as the team is careful to only remove content that violate policy.

If you've found a specific Local Guide with activity you think violates Google Maps' policies or the Local Guides program rules, let us know here in Connect (but don't share that person's information publicly) by tagging a Google Moderator (https://goo.gl/8kKcCB) and we'll reach out to you via private message with instructions on how to share that information with the Local Guides team to share with the specialists for review. Please note that we'll never be able to share the specialists' decision as we respect everyone's privacy. I'll send you a private message.

 

I also recommend reading this post for tips on searching, posting and interacting with the community to make your experience here on Connect much more enjoyable and easier to navigate.


 

Hi @TraciC, I have a few spammer IDs here, generating thousand of reviews and rating. Please let me know how I could pass those to you guys for review. Maybe I should tag @LuisRG, right? I just did.

 

I will try to come back to this page in the coming few days to see if there are any private message. Woooow, this is quite inefficient, don't you think?

 

Oh and keep up the good work. Nice photo in the Moderator page. 🙂

Level 8

@YK1001 

 

@traciC gave me this mail. [REDACTED]  and instruction.

 

Spoiler
[REDACTED]

 

 

The adress mail is not correct.

 

Thanks for your support.

 

 

Swiss | Switzerland | Suisse francophone Level 8 : visitez moi Ne passez pas à coté d'un J'AIME et marquer les réponses comme solution. Android|Jean-Luc|Suisse romande|Switzerland french speaking area|Google Maps Local Guide Level 8 https://goo.gl/maps/HuzFUEBbgtt
Level 10

I've been reporting those spammers for years, Google could care less about those spammer with no actions, and they rather spent more time to delete photos and panos which people work so hard to achieve. 

Level 10

Just don't get what purposes of this Topic "Report Spammer", it is no way you can track the spammers here unless you report spammers to google directly in case "red flag" not works.

All so called "Personal information" is searchable online, Personal information is private should remains private unless those spammers publish they same photos in different places, cities, states, countries, over and over again, PUBLICLY ,  which is really hurting people who actually heavily traveled and voluntarily contributed their hard works to Google maps, still google could care less, and repeat this is "private" matters should be taking action privately.

Level 10

All the matters remind me of my mother country - China, there is no free speech, no freedom, no human right, no democracy, because it is too private, Google rules all countries but china. why? Privacy rules

Level 6

I want to report a Spammer, please contact me.

Former Google Contributor

Hi @Lémanique

 

The email you received is correct.  I redacted your post as we asked you not to share the given email address  publicly as we use it to troubleshoot specific or private inquiries. I'll send you further instructions via private message.


Many thanks.

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Former Google Contributor

Thanks for reaching out @NARUV - I'll contact you shortly via private message.

As a reminder:

 

  • If you find a review or photo that you think violates our policies, you can use the 'flag/report as inappropriate' icon next to the contribution. A team of specialists will then check if it violates any of our policies (https://goo.gl/dsVNTC & https://goo.gl/G87xzJ) and will take appropriate action.

The content review sometimes takes time as the team is careful to only remove content that violates policy. Please note that we'll never be able to share the specialists' decision as we respect everyone's privacy. Please see also this post to learn more.

 

Many thanks for your help.

 

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Level 8

Merci @MariaBi 

 

Tracy (qui n'est plus dispo dans cette conversation) n'a pas été clair en utilisant le mot dash dans cette adresse email. Le dash en français étant le caractère /.

 

J'ai fait un rapport complet en ayant débusqué une petite entreprise digitale locale ici dont les employés se servent de leur compte LG pour noter systématiquement leur clients avec du 5***** (plusieurs centaines). Deux entreprises en faillites et une autre qui renaît sous un autre nom qui apparaît aussi dans le répertoire des Trusted photographers 

 

Il est du devoir de Google d'être plus attentif sur les compte des LG, notemment lorsqu'ils utilisent systématiquement la note 5 de manière répétée. Google devrait mettre plus de contrôle sur les entreprises du digital qui utilise la renommée de Google pour vendre plus de produit.

 

Swiss | Switzerland | Suisse francophone Level 8 : visitez moi Ne passez pas à coté d'un J'AIME et marquer les réponses comme solution. Android|Jean-Luc|Suisse romande|Switzerland french speaking area|Google Maps Local Guide Level 8 https://goo.gl/maps/HuzFUEBbgtt
Former Google Contributor

Hi  @Lémanique ,

 

One of the main goals of Connect - and Local Guides - is bringing people together, no matter where they are. Your linguistic feedback is appreciated, and, as you know, all languages ​​are welcome on Connect. But most official communications are written in English.

Google Translate is also available across all of Connect to encourage conversations across borders. We know no translation tool is perfect - and it is not always possible to include all writing conventions across languages ​​- but it does help to talk with one another around the world;).

 

Many thanks!

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Level 10

I want to report a Spammer, please contact me.

Former Google Contributor

Hello @MyoThantZin, please check out this post for information about reporting content on Google Maps.

New to Connect? Check out Help Desk! Always keep in mind the Local Guides program rules when posting.

Level 10

Dear


Level 5

@SergeySud please edit your post as there are non working links,  https://support.google.com/mapmaker/answer/7195127


@SergeySud wrote:
Hi fellows and the Local Guides Team,
 
Can you explain how to fight with spammers on Maps?
 
1. How to find Spam objects?
Using the Map Maker service, I can find Spam objects by phone number search. Herewith an example. On Maps such a search is not possible. 
 
2. How to find a Spam's author?
All objects on Maps are anonymous. It is impossible to determine who and when were created or changed (spoiled) these objects.
 
3. How to report a spammer?
For example, the user <REDACTED> is a self employed estate agent. He is creates fictitious objects in the Real Estate Developer category. He is also changes the data of existing objects, by replacing the real phone number with his phone number. 
 
I personally deleted 122 fake objects created by this user. And according to the <REDACTED>, there are at least 49 similar objects. Given the fact that I'm not the only one who removes his objects, it can be not about hundreds, but thousands of objects on the Maps, only from one user.
 
As a Map Maker Regional Leader, I can not pass by such a massive injection of fake data. And as a Maps Forum Top Contributor, I also must to react to complaints from other users who wrote about this Spamer. The only question is how to react? There is not even any possibility to inform the user that he violates the rules.

 

Level 5

@TraciC Please be so kind and please do not show this link thousand times https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/About-Local-Guides/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/m-p/.... This is too slow and unpredictable process, also it is impossible to know the results of reporting, as there is no feedback. Please note that it is irrational to do report, if there is generally no action and no feedback. As it is said - Please note, we will not share the results of the investigation with you due to privacy concerns.

Former Google Contributor

Hi @MyoThantZin, I have reached out to your privately with more details about sharing such information with the team. Kindly check your inbox, thank you.

New to Connect? Check out Help Desk! Always keep in mind the Local Guides program rules when posting.

Level 10

Hi @VinkoV,

 

Google Map Maker officially closed on March 31, 2017, so it's impossible to provide other link. 

Googler

@VinkoV The post How Do I Report Content on Google Maps? shares detailed information about the reporting process when someone finds inappropriate content and is shared to educate Local Guides on how they can report content. Reporting content through the methods listed ensure contributions will be reviewed and actions will be taken if necessary, after a thorough review to ensure our policies are adhered to, and if not, the content is removed as well as the Local Guide from the program if necessary. If you have feedback about the process, I encourage you to share it on Feedback & Feature Requests, however, that is our current and up-to-date process. 


Note: Due to the volume of private messages Googlers receive, I do not read or respond to private messages. Please post publicly so others may benefit from your discussion. If you require urgent assistance, please tag a Google Moderator. Thank you!.
Level 5

@Tito It might be that you are using photospheres which are not yours, they are too perfect. In this case you may violating LG terms and conditions 

Level 2

@TraciC  I'd like to report a spammer.  He is posting the same photo to more different POI.

Level 2

@Devilgorgor wrote:

I've been reporting those spammers for years, Google could care less about those spammer with no actions, and they rather spent more time to delete photos and panos which people work so hard to achieve. 


It is pretty, strange, but I have exactly the same feeling about this problem. They do not care about someone who put the same photo ti several thousands POI, but they will surely ban user which put photo on three POI.

Level 7

Hi @TraciC,

 

I've also found someone who just have reviews for every post which is not relevant.

 

I really wanna report this spammer.

 

Please guide me...

Think Positive... Be Cool...
Former Google Contributor

Hi @Monte, have you checked out this post about reporting spam on Maps? I suggest reading it first, then feel free to tag me if you wish to report a Local Guide whose Maps contributions violate Google Maps' policies and/or Local Guides program rules.

New to Connect? Check out Help Desk! Always keep in mind the Local Guides program rules when posting.