Stop scams · United Kingdom · Updated 19 October 2026
How to handle fake Google listing calls to your business
“Pay now or your listing disappears.” If that is the pitch, step away from the call before doing anything with your business account.
A demand for payment is the key warning
Google says it never asks for payment to keep your business on Google, or for card details or account passwords on these calls. A caller making that demand is not calling from Google.
Google does describe legitimate calls to confirm business information. Availability varies by region and language. Do not assume every automated call is fraudulent, or that an official-sounding introduction proves who is speaking. Read Google’s explanation.
Use a routine your whole team can follow
- End the conversation without paying or sharing account details.
- Open your Business Profile through the account you normally use, rather than following the caller’s link.
- If something needs checking, use the help options in that account. Ask a colleague to check with you before changing access.
Suggested wording for your desk: “We check our business account ourselves. We do not approve payments or access during incoming calls.” Practise that sentence with anyone covering the phone.
The government’s business fraud guidance advises breaking suspicious contact and not sharing passcodes or allowing remote access unless you initiated the request through a trusted provider.
If you have already paid or shared details
If you paid or shared banking details, contact your bank immediately. Then follow our UK reporting guide.
For repeated sales pitches, see the TPS and Corporate TPS guide.
Questions people ask
Does Google charge to keep my business listed?
Google says it does not ask for payment to keep your business on Google. Check its official guidance.
Should I give the caller my password?
No. Google says it will not ask for account passwords on these calls. Read the warning.