As a business owner, you can receive many types of phone calls, including some from automated systems. This article will help you understand the difference between trusted automated systems and scams.
How to identify legitimate calls from Google
Automated calls
- Automated calls come from a set of designated numbers. At the start of the call, you'll hear that the call is from Google and the reason for the call. For example, you might hear something like:
- Hi! I'm calling from Google Maps. Given the current health situation, I just want to update your hours. I'm an automated service, so this call is recorded to improve Google services. Could you please tell me your hours for the week?
- Hi! I'm helping people find restaurants that are open. I'm an automated service provided by Google, and this call is recorded to improve Google services. Are you currently open for in-person dining?
- You will not be asked to sign up for a service, make a payment, or give sensitive personal information.
- These calls are only enabled for businesses that offer public phone numbers for the purpose of receiving calls from the general public. If businesses don’t want to accept these calls, they can opt-out by simply saying so on the call.
Google operators
- You may receive calls from Google operators for the purposes of development, customer service, or support related to your Google Ads, Google Play, or other Google accounts. However, Google will never ask you for payment information over the phone or guarantee you favorable placement in our products.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make fraudulent and misleading calls. Sometimes, callers or pre-recorded robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.
Many of these types of calls are not allowed under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them.
Here’s what to do if you receive an unwanted automated robocall from a non-Google entity:
Report suspicious calls in the US
If you're in the US and continue to receive unwanted calls, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To file a formal complaint, go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. You can also submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.
Hang up
If you receive an unwanted call from someone who claims to be Google or working with Google, feel free to hang up at any time. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may lead to more unwanted calls.
Help us track down scammers
Google understands these types of calls can be bothersome. We are committed to doing our part to try to put a stop to these calls. However, this isn’t always within our control; for example, many of these callers use untraceable phone numbers and other cloaking tactics.
Help us track calls that falsely associate themselves with Google. Report directly via our webform and include the following information:
- The caller’s company and contact information.
- Any emails or documentation received from the caller as part of a follow-up.
- Any additional information about the call.
Prevent future unwanted calls
- Check out the FTC’s tips on how to handle unwanted calls, and robocalls resources with additional information about robocalls and steps you can take if you receive one.
- Check with your phone company to see if they can block calls from any problematic numbers.
- If you're in the US, register your personal number with the National Do Not Call Registry at: donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx or call 1-888-382-1222.
Learn more about identifying scams in the Google Safety Center.
