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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

Hello, @JeslynL@MariaBi and @TraciC 

I need to report a Local Guide whose Maps contributions violate Local Guides program rules, please.

Thanks!

Former Google Contributor

Hi @rob_hunter

 

I'll be contacting you with further instructions via private message shortly.

 

Many thanks!

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

Hey @chetan_mange99

I recommend you to plz remove the link you have shared and plz go through the link mention below,

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/About-Local-Guides/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/m-p/...

 

Best Regards

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.
Level 9

Hey @chetan_mange99 thank you so much for editing your post.

Now I'll mention a Google moderator for more info.

 

 

Cc: @JeslynL

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.
Level 10

I will like to know if i will earn any points when i report irrelevant picture.

 

Thank you

Sheriff Sammo
Level 9

@Shermill829 I currently don't think you can, but I do like the idea, as there are several photos that are uploaded that are irrelevant.  

New WriterNew SolutionistGood FriendSuper Popular| 9 Badges so far! | My Connect Profile | My Contributions
Level 10

At least if some points can be earned over there it will help clear most of the irrelevant pictures on the map to make it better.

 

thanks

Sheriff Sammo
Level 10

@Shermill829 No you'll not get any points by reporting a review or picture.

If you find any irrelevant picture or review just report it, then Google will go through it and take the necessary action.

Note:- You can also report a local guide who is uploading inconsistent data on Google Maps.

 

Connect Moderator

Hi @Shermill829

Even if I like the idea, I would like to discouraging it. In fact the risk is to have a reverse spamming action, with people reporting everything just to get points. I think that a report of verified spam should give some special reward to us, but giving points is something dangerous.

Please read for your reference this post from @GusMoreira

about spam reporting

/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/

In any case I'm moving your post to the Feedback-and-Feature-Requests board, for Googler to read about it

 

Ermes 

Level 7

Hello,

<URL OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROFILE REMOVED>

 

This user keeps posting the same image (thousands of times) and adds it to many places in the same area (Geneva, Switzerland).

I have reported the user itself, and many images as well, with no luck. All his fake contributions are still there. Anything that could be done to DELETE all these photos and block/prevent the user from posting more spam?

 

Thanks a lot in advance!

Level 3

Hi @MrUpsidown!

 

Thanks for alerting us of this issue, we will have a look and get this handled by the proper team 🙂

Level 7

I want to report a Spammer, please contact me.

 

Thanks,

Marc

Level 7

Hello, @JeslynL and @MariaBi.

I need to report a Local Guide whose Maps contributions violate Local Guides program rules, please.

Thanks!

Level 7

Thank you @StephanieC 

Level 8

@Atsukot さん

大量に関連のない画像と口コミを投稿しているユーザーを通報したいのでご連絡ください。

プライベートメッセージでそのユーザーをお知らせします。

当該ユーザーはバッジが無いので既に対処済みかもしれませんが、よろしくおねがいします。

 

Level 9

Hey @nacre,

It's nice that you already tagged a Google Moderator. Learn more here,

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/About-Local-Guides/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/m-p/...

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.
Former Google Contributor

Hi @Marc_T

 

I'll contact you shortly via PM. Many thanks!

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

Kudoes to Google Team. I am not active on local guide from some time. But today while checking mail i got a new local guide new post notification for this thread. Suddenly I remembered I reported Someone about 20 days ago through the link I got via PM by @JeslynL. As I checked the spammers contribution page and wow! none of his photo spams exist.

Really feeling happy that I could make some marked contribution for Google Maps. I would definitely continue to do so in future...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former Google Contributor

Thank you! @deepakjhic

 

Hello @nacre ご連絡いただきましてありがとうございます。

 

プライベートメッセージを送りましたのでご確認下さい。宜しくお願いします。

Level 7

@JeslynL@MariaBi@TraciC,

Hello, I want to report a Spammer, please contact me.

Level 8

hi @MrUpsidown

 

for Flag and fix inappropriate reviews, you can read this article :

https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en

 

if you're new to be a local guide, you can read this for starting :

1. Local Guide Helps (Points, levels, and badging)

https://support.google.com/local-guides/answer/6225851?hl=en

2. About Local Guides

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/About-Local-Guides/bd-p/becomelocalguide

3. Using the Forums

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/Using-the-Forums/bd-p/Community

4. Add a missing place to the map

https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6320846?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

 5. Meet Up

you can check the meet up schedule or make a meet up, here :

https://maps.google.com/localguides/meetup

 

enjoy to be a local guide.

hope this help.

 

Best Regards

Rizki Putra

Level 7

Hi,

Thanks, but I already reported many of this users posts with no luck. And I have been told to follow instructions from this post: https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/How-do-I/Report-spammer/m-p/77954#M5238

Which is why I opened this new thread in the hope that someone will contact me and help me take action.

Best regards.

Level 8

hi @MrUpsidown

 

yes, it will take long.

since it will be verified first so it takes time.

 

Best Regards

Rizki Putra

Connect Moderator

Hi @MrUpsidown one of the Googlers will contact you privately. You don't need to tag them they read all posts. Thanks for being diligent in wanting to report the spammer.

 

@RizkiPutra MrUpsidown has followed the correct process in reporting here.

 

Regards Paul

Level 7

Thanks!

Former Google Contributor

Thank you! @PaulPavlinovich

 

Hello @MrUpsidown - Yes, this is correct process, and thank you for reaching out to us here. I have reached out to you via private message with more details about sharing such information with the team. Please check your inbox. Thank you!

Level 6

Can you please send me information. I have multiple people who are abusing the rating system to gain points. Thanks 🙂

Level 6

Greetings @TraciC, I am looking for directions on how to report multiple people who are abusing the local guide rules. Thanks 🙂

Level 8

@PaulPavlinovichyes ok, thanks

 

Regards

Rizki

Former Google Contributor

@T-win @mimsaabir @HikerStryker I have reached out to you via private message with details on how to share the information with the team. Please check your inbox.

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

Former Google Contributor

Thank you for editing your post - we value everyone's privacy. I will be looking into the Local Guide you have shared. Moving forward, please check out the post @deepakjhic has shared when you come across any Maps contributions that do not adhere to the policies (reviews, photos and videos, community). 

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

Level 8

Hi,

 

I would like to report a spammer, again. He is still at it, four months on since my initial report.  He is posting low quality and useless photos over and over again. The exact same photo 8 times, the exact same phone for 3-4 locations.

 

I report in app these junk photos a couple of times a week. However, at this stage, nothing has happened. Every photo is still on maps.

 

A easy google search reveals he does some TV show. I hope this doesn't mean he is allowed to do whatever he likes in maps. 

Former Google Contributor

HI @Teejai

 

I am going to contact you shortly via private message with further instructions. Many thanks

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

@MariaBi thanks for the response. I have messaged you back. I already have the email address as I send a report about once a month. Would prefer some action. 

Level 1

I want to report a spammer

Level 6

@jodilw1020 wrote:

I want to report a spammer


You have to tag someone like @MariaBi

Former Google Contributor

Hi @jodilw1020

 

I'll contact you shortly via private message with further instruction. Many thanks to @rob_hunter, too. 

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Level 6

It really takes a lot of time to get a reply from the Google team 🙂

I lost the ID that I mentioned earlier, however should be able to send over some others.


@JeslynL wrote:

@T-win @mimsaabir @HikerStryker I have reached out to you via private message with details on how to share the information with the team. Please check your inbox.


 

Level 1

Hello,

 

I would like to report a spam review.  Please contact me.

Former Google Contributor

Hi @Djohnson

 

Thanks for reaching out. Is the user a Local Guide? if so I'll reach you out via private message with further instructions shortly.

 

Otherwise, 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 about reporting spam to us.

 

Many thanks for your help.

 

* Due to the volume of private messages please note that I do not reply to them
Level 7

Hi,

 

I'd like to report an account that seems to be faking reviews and also put some racial stuffs in em. Shoot me a pm and I'll link it 🙂

Level 9

Hey @ehrw,

Here is what you can do for the same. 

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/About-Local-Guides/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/m-p/...

 

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.
Level 7

It clearly says:

.:: Reporting a Local Guide

 

If you've found a Local Guide contributing content or behaving in a way that you think violates Google Maps' policies and/or Local Guides program rules, let us know here in Connect (but don't share that person's information publicly) by tagging a Google Moderator and we'll reach out to you via private message with instructions on how to share that information with the Local Guides team.

Level 9

@ehrw

OK let me help you on this. Please wait for response from Google team. 

Hello @Atsukot allow me to tag you here is this post. 

 

Kind regards 

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.
Level 7

Oh yeah I forgot to tag someone lol. Thanks!

Former Google Contributor

Thank you so much! @deepakjhic

 

Hello @ehrwI have reached out to you via private message with details about sharing such information with the team. Please check your inbox. Thank you!

Level 7

Thanks, email sent! 

Former Google Contributor

Awesome! Thank you. 

Spammer Report

@TraciC, @LuisRG, @BellaWi, @GusMoreira, @HelloJess, @YanniY@MariaBi, @JeslynL, @Atsukot, and @BruceDM.

Level 7

Try the flag/report button, they are usually quick to respond