Get More Local Leads with Google Local Services Ads — Plans Start at $600/Month
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by Marketing Guru (8.1k points)

First, know this:

Google does not call businesses to “verify” listings, sell ad space over the phone, or threaten to remove your listing unless you pay. Those calls are usually:

  • Third-party SEO agencies

  • Robocall scams

  • Lead resellers pretending to be Google

1. Don’t engage or confirm anything on the call

If someone calls and says “Hi, this is Google” or “Press 1 to verify your listing”—just hang up. The moment you interact, you get flagged as a “live lead,” and the spam gets worse.

2. Use a business-only phone number

If you’re using your personal number on your Google listing, consider switching to:

  • Google Voice

  • A VoIP line

  • A call tracking number with spam filters (like CallRail)

This gives you control, and you can filter or screen unknown numbers.

3. Use Google’s call history features

If your profile is eligible:

  • Go to your Google Business Profile Manager

  • Click Calls > turn on Call History

  • You’ll start seeing which calls are from real customers vs junk

You can’t stop spam entirely, but this gives visibility and lets you report spam easier.

4. Register with the Do Not Call Registry (U.S. only)

Visit: donotcall.gov
Add your business number. This won't stop all spam (especially from spoofed or overseas numbers), but it adds legal pressure.

5. Report the spam to Google + FTC

  • Google Spam Complaint: Google Support Form

  • FTC Complaint Assistant: reportfraud.ftc.gov

Even if it feels pointless, every report helps build a case against repeat offenders.

Use call blocker apps

Install apps like:

  • Google Call Screen (for Pixel or Android)

  • Hiya

  • Truecaller
    They won’t stop everything, but they identify suspicious calls in real time.

And what you shouldn’t do:

  • Don’t pay for “Google listing renewals”—that’s a scam.

  • Don’t believe threats about deleting your listing. Google doesn’t do that.

  • Don’t interact with robocalls. That just tells them your number is live.

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