Finding a fake or misleading Google Business Profile can be frustrating, especially when the listing appears to represent a business that does not actually exist at the stated location.
Google provides ways for users and business owners to report information that violates its guidelines.
The key is to submit a legitimate report based on accurate information rather than simply reporting a competitor because they rank higher.
What Is a Fake Google Business Profile?
A fake profile may be a listing that does not represent a legitimate eligible business.
Examples may include:
- A business that does not exist
- A listing created for a location where the business does not operate
- A misleading business identity
- A duplicate listing
- A listing containing prohibited or inaccurate information
However, not every suspicious-looking listing is fake. Investigate the situation before reporting it.
How to Check a Suspicious Listing
Before submitting a report, research the business.
Check:
- Official website
- Business address
- Phone number
- Social media presence
- Business registration information where publicly available
- Photos
- Customer information
- Other Google listings
Look for inconsistencies between the Google profile and the business’s official information.
How to Report a Fake Listing
Open the business listing in Google Maps.
Look for Google’s option to suggest an edit or report a problem with the business information.
Choose the reason that most accurately describes the problem and provide supporting information.
Your report should explain:
- What is wrong with the listing
- Why you believe it violates Google’s guidelines
- What evidence supports your claim
- Which information is correct, if applicable
Don’t Report a Competitor Without a Legitimate Reason
This is extremely important.
A competitor having:
- More reviews
- Better rankings
- More photos
- A better website
- More customers
does not mean the profile is fake.
Only submit a report when there is a genuine issue.
False or abusive reporting can undermine your credibility and may not result in the action you want.
What Evidence Can Help?
Depending on the situation, useful evidence may include:
- Official business website
- Correct address
- Business phone number
- Photos
- Public business records
- Evidence that the location does not exist
- Evidence that another listing represents the same business
The stronger and more relevant your evidence, the easier it is to explain the problem.
What Happens After You Report a Listing?
Google reviews submitted information and determines what action, if any, is appropriate.
Possible outcomes can vary depending on the situation.
Google may:
- Correct information
- Merge or address duplicate listings
- Restrict a listing
- Remove an ineligible listing
- Take no action if the listing does not violate its guidelines
There is no legitimate method to guarantee that Google will remove every reported profile.
Need Help Reviewing a Suspicious GBP?
If you have found a potentially fake, duplicate, or ineligible Google Business Profile, I can help you review the situation and identify the appropriate reporting approach.
Learn more about my Google Business Profile Removal Service
Conclusion
Reporting a fake Google Business Profile should always be based on facts and Google’s guidelines.
Don’t report a listing simply because you dislike the business or want a competitor removed from search results.
Investigate first, collect evidence, and submit an accurate report explaining the issue.
