How to Protect Your Google Business Profile from Malicious Access Attempts

Did you know your Google Business Profile listing could be the next target of malicious access attempts? At Luau Group, we are witnessing an alarming increase in these deceptive activities, highlighting the urgent need for heightened vigilance and proactive security measures to safeguard your business’s online presence.

Unauthorised access to your Google Business Profile can lead to severe consequences. If bad actors gain control of your listing, they can alter vital business details, such as your address, contact information, and opening hours. This can cause confusion among customers and potentially result in a loss of business. In some cases, they may even post misleading or inappropriate content, which damages your brand’s reputation. These unauthorised changes can also harm your local search visibility, making it more difficult for potential customers to find your business online. In the worst-case scenario, such breaches can result in your Google listing being suspended, which severely impacts your credibility and online reach.

Identifying Fake Access Requests

Whenever a Google Business Profile access request is submitted, all current business owners will receive an email from Google. The email will have a subject line such as “You’ve received an ownership request” or “You’ve received a management request,” depending on the type of access being requested. This email will include key details about the business, as well as the requester’s name, email address, phone number, and profile picture. These details allow you to assess whether the request is genuine or potentially fraudulent.

Important Note:

Google will never ask for access to your Business Profile under any circumstances. Any request claiming to be from Google should be treated with suspicion. Malicious actors often use subtle tricks to disguise fraudulent access requests, making them seem legitimate at first glance.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

Imitating Official Email Addresses: Scammers often create email addresses that closely resemble Google’s official ones, but with slight alterations. They may replace letters with similar-looking numbers or symbols (e.g., “g00gle.com” instead of “google.com”). This trick can deceive users into believing the request is authentic.

Use of Google Branding and Logos: Fraudulent profiles may incorporate Google logos or branding to create the illusion of authenticity. This is designed to trick users into thinking the communication is from an official Google source.

Fake Contact Information: Scammers may provide fabricated phone numbers that appear to be from Google, leading users to fraudulent contact centres where personal information can be manipulated or stolen. Additionally, scammers may use the phone number section to include messages, such as “If the request is not approved, your business will be removed”, in an attempt to pressure business owners into accepting the access request.

Impersonating a Public Figure: Another common tactic involves impersonating a public figure or well-known personality linked to your business. Fraudsters may create fake profiles that appear to be someone influential in your industry. Just like with other deceptive methods, this approach is designed to manipulate business owners into approving malicious access requests or disclosing sensitive information, under the false belief that it’s coming from a trusted source.

How to Handle Access Requests

To protect your Google Business Profile from malicious attempts, it’s essential to monitor all incoming access requests carefully. A critical point to remember is Google’s 3-day response policy for access requests. If you receive an ownership or managerial request and fail to respond within three days, Google may allow the requester to claim the profile themselves. This policy underscores the importance of responding promptly to access requests in order to prevent unauthorised individuals from taking control of your business listing.

Key Tips for Handling Access Requests

Respond Promptly: Always respond to access requests within the 3-day window to ensure you maintain control over your business profile.

Reject Requests from Malicious Actors: Promptly reject any access request that contains any of the red flags mentioned above. This is crucial to maintaining control over your business profile and protecting your reputation.

Only Approve Trusted Individuals: Never approve access for anyone you don’t know or trust. If you are unsure about the requester’s identity or intentions, it’s safer to reject the request. It’s better to be cautious than risk compromising your profile.

Evaluate the Level of Access Being Requested: When you receive a legitimate access request from a trusted individual, make sure to review the level of access being asked for. For example, granting ownership access will provide the requester with full control of your listing, potentially demoting all other owners to manager status. Be careful about who you assign such high-level permissions to.

Set Up Filters or Forwarding Systems for Access Requests: Consider creating custom filters or forwarding rules in your email system to highlight access requests. By marking these emails as “Important” or setting up a dedicated folder, you can easily spot and prioritise any access requests that need your immediate attention. This will help ensure you don’t miss any critical requests and can respond promptly.

By staying vigilant and following these best practices, you can effectively protect your Google Business Profile from malicious access attempts. Safeguarding your profile ensures that your business maintains an accurate, secure, and trustworthy online presence. At Luau Group, we recognise the importance of securing your digital footprint. That’s why we have implemented stringent protocols to protect all the businesses we manage, consistently monitoring their profiles for any potential threats.