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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 8

@BNHSProgrammes

All you have to do is flag any spam photos.

A dbx will pop giving you options to say why you flagged.

 


Level 5

Although there are no more spam pics from the location I flagged, This guide still has all their other spam stock pictures up for tons of locations even if the business doesn't even sell the item (electronics sold at a fast food place?) How long does it take before something happens? 

@VBenedict I understand and aware of the procedure, however there are some 135 photos already added and more are being added almost daily by this user.

 

It becomes too much time consuming to flag and give reason for each individual photos, are are no option where I can select multiple photos to flag

 

 


@VBenedict wrote:

@BNHSProgrammes

All you have to do is flag any spam photos.

A dbx will pop giving you options to say why you flagged.

 


 




as spam

Level 8

@BNHSProgrammes  you are absolutely correct. It is insurmountable and time consuming.  

I try to report but it seems futile.


Level 10

Hi @JeslynL @GeorgesHR

 

Please contact me privately. 

Thanks 

 

Level 6

I need to report a really racist and homophobic local guide. Can someone e-mail me at <EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED>

Connect Moderator

Hi @Totte

Thanks for reaching us.

For your privacy please edit your post, to remove your email address. We don't need it to contact you.

Read this post to know how to report a Local Guide: /How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/

@JeslynL

Former Google Contributor

@NABILazeez Check your inbox! 

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

Level 10

Hi @JeslynL

Thank you dear. 

 

Hi! I've come across a local guide in my area who is uploading a number of photos to various locations where they constantly place their company vehicles in the shot so that the logo and name of the company is easily read. I think this violates the Local Guides Program Terms and Conditions, specifically the following quote:


"upload, post, or otherwise make available commercial messages or advertisements, pyramid schemes, or other disruptive notices;"

 

Please get back to me for the name of the guide and please put forward to your seniors the suggestion to add a "report user" feature to better catch problematic users.

 

In compliance with your instructions on https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/Help-Desk/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/m-p/202916/th... I'm tagging @GusMoreira. Thanks!

Level 4

I am writing to see how a Local Guide can be reported for false reviews. This person: <MAPS URL REMOVED> has been leaving bad reviews of places all over different areas in the last several days/hours. One of the business owners contacted me and said that this person has never stayed at her business (she owns a bed and breakfast). I told her to submit a management response, which she did. I understand that someone may have stayed at different places and just now decided to write dozens of reviews, but this seems excessive, and we know for sure he did not stay at her B&B.

 

Thank you.

Level 9

Hi @LisaKolb: Thank you for bringing this up. 

Follow the directions on this post to report a Local Guide for the future. In this case, I will tag @JeslynL and she or a Google Moderator will follow up with you privately.

Please post publicly so others can benefit as well. I do not have private messages. Thanks!
Former Google Contributor

@LisaKolb I've removed the Maps URL of the person you are reporting as we want to ensure everyone's privacy. Please check out How Do I Report Content on Google Maps for the various appropriate ways to share information with the team.

 

While we look into the Local Guide you have reported, it may be good to note that the are the team is unable to verify authenticity of user reviews and the business owner can respond to the reviews accordingly. We are unable to share the results of our investigation but will take actions where necessary.

 

(Thanks @Shirley!)

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

Level 6

I would like to be contacted.

I have found a local guide (hight lvl), that has only posted 1 star reviews (nothing else) all around the world.

Doubtd that you can travel between countries that muh and fast.

 

Unless it's santa! OMG, maybe it is!

What if it is!? Best local guide EVER!

Level 10

Hi @Anvnamnet,

 

Welcome to connect.

 

I would suggest you to read the post for tips using LG connect:

 

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/Help-Desk/Tips-Using-Local-Guides-Connect/m-p/356#M6

 

Regarding your issue, you should tagg a moderator.

 

You could also use this post:

 

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/How-to-identify-and-report-spam-on-Google-M...

 

I hope this will help.

 

Have fun in contributing.

 

Jul

 


Ushername a écrit :

I would like to be contacted.

I have found a local guide (hight lvl), that has only posted 1 star reviews (nothing else) all around the world.

Doubtd that you can travel between countries that muh and fast.

 

Unless it's santa! OMG, maybe it is!

What if it is!? Best local guide EVER!


 

 

Level 6

Well @Julien44.

Every single post tells me to report a local guide here. So that is what I will do.. I will now also find a moderator and tag him/her.

Level 6

Thank you @Julien44! 😄

Former Google Contributor

Hey @Viktor_Erik_Jensen, check your inbox! You should see a private message from me containing details on how to share the info with the team. Thanks for not publishing the Maps URL of the user you are reporting - we appreciate it. 

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

Former Google Contributor

Hey @username, check your inbox for a private message from me. As I've shared with others who have reported other Local Guides before, it may be good to note that the are the team is unable to verify authenticity of user ratings and/or reviews. We will take a look at the report nonetheless and take actions where necessary. 

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

Connect Moderator

Thanks @Anvnamnet and @Julien44

As you can see, Google moderators are frequently patrolling this area, so @JeslynL is already here for helping us

Level 7

Hello Guys,

 

I wonder what can I do when come across a hateful contributor, whose reviews are much like spam and written intentionally negative?

I could provide a link to a such contributor.

 

Thank you in advance!

 

Level 10

Hi @ValGetova Yes you can report a Local Guide who violates the program rules. To do so please see this post that talks about how to report inappropriate content: https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/Help-Desk/How-Do-I-Report-Content-on-Google-Maps/m-p/202916#M9...

 

Kind Regards

Level 7

Unfortunately, the account is not a Local Guide, but only a Contributor.

Level 10

 @ValGetova These doesn't mean as well, all you need to do is reach out to the Google Moderators by tagging them and they would contact you in private. 

Level 3

So called Local Guides are abusing the system. It's a BIG OBVIOUS scam! It's been going on for a while and Google is doing NOTHING! I tried to report, I was put on hold, for an extended period of time - then hung up on. I called back and I was told, Google does not offer phone support for this issue, so I asked to talk to a supervisor; not successful. The only advice I could find is to report it by flagging and this does not work.

 

see FAKE REVIEWS!!!!!   www.en.advertisercommunity.com/…/FAKE-…/m-p/1657306…

 

see "fake" local guide  www.google.com/…/rev…/@28.0938292,-82.772776,10.58z…

 

To add insult to injury it appears these "Local Guide" fraudsters are being rewarded for their abuse. These are small, innocent, businesses being trashed and caught up in this scam. Something needs to be done! The average consumer does not get this abuse - they scroll for ratings without reading the reviews and now great businesses are being judged by poor ratings.  

Level 1

Hi @TraciC,

 

I created a profile on Local Guides just so that I could reach out to you about a user who's spamming ratings (not reviews).  Very frustrating that I have to "become" a local guide to report a local guide, or even communicate with an administrator.

 

Anyway, please do reach out to me privately so that I can share the details with you.

 

Thanks!

Hi, please let me know how I can take action on a 1* review from someone who has never been to our business? 

Level 10

Hi @CraigShutterBug
Have a look on this post.

It has some details about how to report spam posts and possible spammers. 

At finally Google Maps encourage business owners to take advantage of the free service, Google My Business (google.com/business) where you can claim and manage your listing as well as respond to reviews and more. Also please have a check to the Google My Business Help Centre  and theOfficial Google My Business Community for help and support.

 



Best Regards
Rezgar

Thanks for getting back to me, I will follow your suggestions. In the mean time, is there any way I can contact this local guide to ask what they are trying to achieve with negative reviews of places they haven't been to. If they are guilty of spamming, is there any way they can be punished?

Connect Moderator

Yes, @CraigShutterBug, there is a way: following the indication given to you by @Rezgar.

with Mybusiness you can reply to the people that is gave a review, so the people that is visiting your place will read also your reply.

Like this one

review_1star.JPG

 

Ermes

Former Google Contributor

Hello @nandzik, it's not required to be a local guide to report someone. Please see this post: How Do I Report Content on Google Maps?  

 

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 9

hi

my favorite starbucks had something like 20 photos added that were not from the location but had some lewd names written on the cups.

 

using the starbucks app you can set any name sadly and it appears in a printed label.

 

Starbucks
10 Disera Dr Unit G7, Vaughan, ON L4J 0A7
(905) 764-9723

https://goo.gl/maps/27hykdAtJ5P2

 

had about 20 such photos that i flagged. only a few remain.

 

one that i can mention here I. P. Freely. Most are much more lewd and sexual in nature

 

this user has added a large number of good photos and a large number of duplicates and some wrong location photos. he has also added these same cup photos to a large number of starbucks locations across Canada

 

is it ok if i link to the users contibution page? 

should i link to some of the cup photo?

 

Thanks

Level 7

Hi there I've locateda local guide who is posting photos on Google maps that are not of the identifed place . How do we report them? If I reported each individual photo it will take me forever. Is there another way?

Level 8

Hello @Tizzo

Thanks for identifying the spammer. If the same person is posting wrong photos for different places then let's tag a our moderators. They will each out to you via private message with instructions on how to proceed further.

@MarinSt @NadyaPN @JeslynL @GeorgesHR hope our moderators will reach you soon.

Namaste, Niraj

Level 9

Hi @RPaulR, thanks for your post. With regards to the inappropriate photos, you can report them on maps by using the "flag" icon.

This post outlines the details of how to report content on Google Maps.

As for reporting the user, you do not need to post their contributions link on connect. I am going to tag @JeslynL here to assist. She or another Google Moderator will contact you via private message to obtain details regarding the Local Guide in question.

Please post publicly so others can benefit as well. I do not have private messages. Thanks!
Level 9

@Tizzo: For future reference, please check out this post on how to report content on Google Maps.

Please post publicly so others can benefit as well. I do not have private messages. Thanks!
Level 7

Hi Shirley

 

That post you referred me to days I need to tag a moderator to report a local guide. Are your a moderator? Sorry I've never had to report a guide before... 

Level 9

@Tizzo: I'm not a Google Moderator. But @NirajBhusal has tagged 4 Google Moderators in his post, so one of them will follow up with you via private messaging.

You're welcome to tag any one of them if you need to report a Local Guide in the future.

Please post publicly so others can benefit as well. I do not have private messages. Thanks!
Level 9

@NirajBhusal wrote:

Hello @Tizzo

Thanks for identifying the spammer. If the same person is posting wrong photos for different places then let's tag a our moderators. They will each out to you via private message with instructions on how to proceed further.

@MarinSt @NadyaPN @JeslynL @GeorgesHR hope our moderators will reach you soon.

Namaste, Niraj


Hi @NirajBhusal, Good Morning.

As per this post refer to the below quoted red text,

 wrote:

 

.:: 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.


 Thank you

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

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

Hey @RPaulR, thanks for bringing this to the team's attention. As @Shirley noted (thanks Shirley!) we don't encourage sharing Maps profiles of other users publicly for privacy reasons. I took a look at the photos posted to this Starbucks branch and was able to identify the bad player. What you did, i.e. flag the photos, is helpful! We'll take over from here and take all necessary actions. We will not be able to share the results of it with you but I promise we are on it 🙂

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

Former Google Contributor

Hi @Tizzo,

 

Thank you for reaching out! I will send you a private message with instructions how to report this Local Guide.

 

@deepakjhic@Shirley@NirajBhusal, thanks for the support!

 

See you all around!

- Nadya

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 8

Wow 94 pages of spammers in maps.

 

I would like to report an user/company profile with about 400 ads of their products spammed all around my country. 

 

@NadyaPN

Level 9

Thanks for the help.

 

Why was my post moved to feature requests?

Former Google Contributor

Hey @Jimzamjimmyy,

 

Thanks for reaching out and tagging! I will send you the instructions needed to report a Local Guide via a private message.

 

Thank you,

Nadya

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!
Former Google Contributor

Hello @jojo522, sorry for my late reply. I have reached out to you via private message. Please check your inbox. Thank you!

Level 2

Hi 

I've found a Local Guide behaving in a way that I think violates Google Maps' policies and/or Local Guides program rules.

Connect Moderator

Hello @LilitAzaryan

First please remove your contact details from the post. It's against from the rules.

Please read this post by @GusMoreira

How Do I Report Content on Google Maps?

 

I hope it's helping you.

 

Regards,

Marsh Darji

About me | Guiding Star 2020 | Guiding Star 2020 |  | Follow me on Instagram & Follow me on Maps |   | Happy to Help


Please use '@' before the name to tag me.



Level 2

Thank you. Already edited my post.