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Is That A Real Google Phone Number?

Last Updated: October 22, 2024

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You’ve probably received one of those sketchy calls claiming to be from Google…who hasn’t at this point? We’ve all been there—someone calls saying they’re with Google and you need to verify your account, update payment info, or even pay to keep your Google Business Profile (which is free, by the way).

To help you steer clear of these scammers, we’ve put together a list of valid Google phone numbers (for the United States.) These are the real Google numbers you can trust, so the next time you get a “Google” call, you can be more certain that it’s legit.

Valid Google Phone Numbers

Google Maps

For issues related to your Google Business Profile (GBP) (formerly Google My Business) 

650-206-5555
650-763-0461
844-899-8101
650-203-0000
650-417-9099
650-215-5133
650-215-5109

Google Voice Assistant

For inbound calls from the Google Voice Assistant. This is posted on Google’s website here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7690269

650-206-5555
650-763-0461
650-899-8667
844-899-8101
855-252-7709

 

Google Voice Support

650-933-2255

 

Google Ads (AdWords) Support

650-206-5555

 

Download Our Verified Google Contact Card

Want to make sure you always have the right Google phone numbers on hand? We’ve created a downloadable contact card with the verified phone numbers listed above. It’s an easy way to add them to your phone so you can avoid being fooled by scammers.

Download Google Verified Contacts (vCard)

 

Simplified List of Valid Google Phone Numbers

If you’d rather add these to your phone yourself, here’s a simplified list you can copy/paste from.

650-203-0000
650-206-5555
650-215-5109
650-215-5133
650-253-0000
650-417-9099
650-450-6792
650-763-0461
650-899-8667
650-933-2255
844-899-8101
855-252-7709

 

If you’re trying to place a call to Google, these numbers might be helpful.

  • Google Ads Support: 1-866-246-6453
  • Google Business Profile Support (formerly Google My Business): 1-844-491-9665
    • Note: They will play a recorded message telling you to file your case online.
  • Google Workspace (G Suite) Support: 1-877-355-5787
  • General Google Support (US): 1-650-253-0000

These typically won’t be the numbers you’ll see in your caller ID though.

 

Google has also published some tips on how to tell if a call is from them.

You can check that out here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/6212928?sjid=4149871325749920604-NA

Conclusion

Protecting yourself from scam calls is more important than ever. By using the valid Google phone numbers we’ve provided and remaining cautious of any unsolicited calls, you can safeguard your business from falling victim to fraud. Always verify any suspicious calls and keep our downloadable Google contact card handy for quick reference. Remember, Google will never ask for sensitive information like payment details over the phone, so stay alert and use the resources we’ve compiled here to ensure you’re dealing with the real Google.

Which Half Of Your Ad Spend Is Wasted?

Last Updated: October 16, 2024

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“Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is, I don’t know which half.” This classic quote from marketing pioneer John Wanamaker hits home for many small business owners. You put money into advertising, but it’s hard to know exactly where it’s paying off. Luckily, in today’s digital world, we don’t have to stay in the dark. With simple, affordable tracking tools, you can finally figure out which half of your advertising spend is wasted—and stop wasting it!

At Prospect Genius, we tackle this challenge head-on using three simple but powerful tools: AdTrax, CallTrax, and PhoneSwap. Let’s break down how each one works and how they can help you make the most of every dollar you spend on advertising.

1. CallTrax: Know Which Campaigns Are Driving Calls

We all know that getting a live human to pick up the phone on the phone is where the money is. The challenge is in connecting that phone call to a specific marketing campaign so you know where to dial up your spend. We solve this with CallTrax. CallTrax provides a unique phone number for each campaign you run, and since it forwards calls directly to your regular number, you won’t even be able to tell anything has changed.

What CallTrax does is simple but powerful: it tracks exactly which campaigns are generating phone calls. You’ll be able to pinpoint which ads are making your phone ring and which ones aren’t worth the money.

2. PhoneSwap: Tailored Phone Numbers Based on the Source

One of our slickest tools is PhoneSwap. It automatically switches the phone number on your website depending on how visitors found you. Just tag the URL you’re using in your marketing campaigns and it will auto-magically swap out the CallTrax number on your site. Visitors won’t see any difference, but you’ll know exactly how they landed on your site.

This tool is especially useful when you’re running multiple campaigns on different platforms. Whether your leads are coming from Facebook ads, Google search, or an email campaign, you’ll know precisely which one led to the call.

3. AdTrax: Keep Your Eye on the Search Rankings

If you’re running Google ads or trying to rank organically, knowing where you stand in search results is key. AdTrax is the tool we created to search Google every day for the keywords we’re focused on. It tracks how we’re ranking over time, giving us insight into what’s working and what’s not. We use it for our own advertising, as well as for our clients.

Google personalizes search results based on location, browsing history, and more, which can skew the data. AdTrax eliminates these biases, giving us a much truer picture of our SEO performance. With this, we can see the impact of our strategies and adapt quickly. It’s like getting a daily report card on our efforts, helping us make informed decisions instead of guessing.

Why Tracking Tools Are a Game-Changer

Here’s the kicker: all three tools—AdTrax, CallTrax, and PhoneSwap—are super affordable. The amount of money you save by cutting underperforming campaigns far outweighs the cost of these tools. It’s a win-win for your bottom line. Without them, you’re flying blind, spending money without knowing where it’s going or if it’s coming back to you.

At the end of the day, these tools help us avoid Wanamaker’s dilemma. We know exactly where our money is working and where it’s not, allowing us to adjust our strategy and stop wasting valuable resources.

Take Control of Your Advertising

You don’t have to keep wondering which half of your advertising spend is wasted. By using tools like AdTrax, CallTrax, and PhoneSwap (or tools like them), you can take control of your marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions that lead to real results.

Google Business Profile Rescue: The Quick Fix for Suspended Listings

Last Updated: October 11, 2024

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Has your Google Business Profile (GBP) been suspended or disappeared from Google Maps? As a business owner, especially in home services like plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC, you know how critical it is for potential customers to find you online. When your Google listing is down, so is your visibility. The good news? Our Google Business Profile Rescue service offers a quick fix for GBP listings to help you get back on the map fast!

The Danger of Suspension: Two Official Tries

Google only gives you two official tries to reinstate a suspended profile. If you don’t succeed on those two attempts, your business could be banned from Google permanently. Plus, every failure is another delay, which can mean surviving for weeks without a live GBP. Scary, right? That’s why it’s so important to get it right the first time.

Don’t Use Up Those Tries Without a Pro!

Here’s the thing: while it might seem tempting to rush in and try to fix your listing yourself, we strongly recommend against using up your two official tries without a professional on your side. The first two attempts offer by far your best odds of success, and we’ve seen too many business owners lose their hard-won reviews simply because they didn’t have the right help from the start.

The reality is that Google’s guidelines are tricky, and a small misstep could cost you dearly. Don’t leave that to chance—get in contact with us early, and we can ensure your appeals are handled correctly, giving you the highest possible chance of getting your listing and reviews back fast.

The Secret to a Third Try (and Why It’s a Game-Changer)

What many business owners don’t realize is that there’s actually a way to get a third bite at the apple if you’ve used your first two tries, but it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. The key is knowing exactly which form to use. If you use the wrong one, you will not be able to access that third try. Fortunately, we navigate these waters every single day and can make sure you get that additional chance.

When You Think All Hope is Lost: The Extra Try

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Let’s say you’ve already gone through the official appeals process and hit a wall. You’re thinking your listing, and all those glowing reviews, are gone for good. We’ve figured out a couple workarounds that can secure an additional try, even beyond the two or three you’re officially given.

This might sound like a Hail Mary pass, but we’ve had some incredible successes in what looked like impossible situations. When you think your listing is lost forever, we’ve been able to step in and get it back, along with your precious reviews. It’s not always easy, but we’re up for the challenge.

Why Choose Our GBP Rescue Service?

  • Quick fixes for suspended Google Business Profiles: We specialize in getting your listing reinstated fast, so your customers can find you again.
  • Don’t risk it alone: We strongly recommend that you don’t use up your two official tries without professional help. The best odds of success are in those first two appeals, and we can give you the best chance of success.
  • Save your reviews: In most cases, your customer reviews are restored along with your listing, protecting the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
  • Expert navigation: We know which forms to use, how to appeal effectively, and the tricks to get an extra attempt if needed.
  • Even when it seems hopeless: Our team has seen success in cases where businesses thought their Google presence was gone for good. We can help, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If your listing is suspended or missing from Google Maps, don’t wait until you’ve exhausted your appeals. The stakes are high, and your reviews—your reputation—are on the line. Contact us before you use up your official tries, and let us handle your Google Business Profile reinstatement with the precision and expertise needed to get your business back on the map.

Reach out to us today for a quick fix for your Google Business Profile, and let’s get you visible, searchable, and back in business!

Why Password Hygiene And 2FA Are So Important

Last Updated: October 4, 2024

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How to Secure Your Online Accounts: A Cautionary Tale and Easy Fixes

Last week, I helped a business owner who was dealing with a major issue: her Facebook account had been hacked. Some sneaky person managed to gain access, make themselves an admin, and was on the verge of locking her out of her own business page. She only discovered the problem when she couldn’t log into her Instagram account, even though she was certain she had the correct password.

Why Did This Happen?

After looking into it, it became clear that someone likely obtained her password through a data breach or used a brute-force attack to guess it. The reason this was possible? She wasn’t using unique passwords for each account and hadn’t enabled 2-factor authentication (2FA). These are simple steps that could have prevented the whole ordeal.

How to Prevent This From Happening to You

Yes, it takes a bit of effort to secure your accounts, but trust me, the alternative is much worse. If someone gains control of your business accounts, they can wreak havoc—posting inappropriate content, driving away customers, and damaging your reputation. Reclaiming access to a hacked account can be a nightmare, and the damage done in the meantime can be long-lasting.

Let’s break down some easy steps to avoid this headache.

What is 2FA?

2-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of identification, beyond just your password. You can use apps like Aegis (the most private of these options), Authy, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator to set this up.

One important tip: avoid using text messages for 2FA if possible. Some services still require this (like most banks), and while it’s better than nothing, it’s far from foolproof. Hackers can use something called a SIM swap attack, where they get your phone number assigned to their device without you knowing.

If you have no choice but to use SMS-based 2FA, consider using a service like Google Voice (free) or Sideline (paid), which are much less vulnerable to these types of attacks.

If you’d like a quick intro to 2FA in video form, check out NBTV’s video on it:

 

What Does Good Password Hygiene Look Like?

First and foremost, your passwords should be unique for every account. Each password should include numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols, and it should be at least 16 characters long.

This graphic helps you understand how easy it is to break through simple passwords. Keep in mind that this is using 2024 compute power. Every year this power increases and once we get to quantum computing, this all goes out the window so the stronger you make them now, the longer they’ll last.

time it takes to brute force a password in 2024

One trick is to use a passphrase—a sentence or fragment that’s easier to remember but long enough to be secure. Just don’t forget to mix in numbers and symbols.

Even better, use a password manager.

What is a Password Manager?

Trying to remember every password is asking for trouble. Since trying to remember all your passwords is an impossible task in today’s day and age, most people cope by using weak passwords or repeating them across accounts. A password manager lets you store all your passwords in one place, meaning you only need to remember one password, but most importantly, it’ll make it super easy to use very complex passwords. Most password managers auto-generate secure, complex passwords and can even autofill your login details across devices and browsers.

I recommend checking out Bitwarden—it’s a trusted and reliable option. We have no affiliation with them, but they have a solid track record.

For a great video on this topic, check out another NBTV video here:

 

 

In Conclusion

I know setting all this up may seem overwhelming at first, but I promise it’s worth it. It doesn’t take much effort to secure your accounts, and once it’s done, you’ll hardly notice the small inconvenience. What’s truly inconvenient is having your accounts stolen or hacked. Protecting your online presence is a small price to pay compared to the damage that can be done if your accounts are compromised.

Take these steps now to secure your business and your peace of mind!

Domain Renewal Letters Sent By Snail Mail Are Scams

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

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In this edition of our ScamWatch series, we’re highlighting a specific type of scam that’s has been around for years, but just won’t go away—fake domain registration renewal letters sent by good old-fashioned snail mail.

What Are Fake Domain Registration Renewal Letters?

Picture this: You’re sorting through your mail, and you find a letter that looks official. It says your domain is about to expire, urging you to renew immediately. The letter looks professional and uses scary language like “final notice” or “urgent action required.” But here’s the catch—it’s a scam.

(Click an image to expand it)

Fake domain renewal notice letter

These fake domain registration renewal letters are designed to trick you into thinking your website will go offline unless you take immediate action. The scammers hope to get you to pay for a bogus renewal service or to charge you way more than what your actual domain registrar would ask.

The critical thing to remember is this: if it arrives by mail, it’s almost certainly a scam. Unlike emails, which can sometimes be legit (though they require careful scrutiny), you can safely assume that 100% of domain-related letters sent via snail mail are fraudulent. Just throw them out.

Why Do Scammers Send These Letters?

While many scams these days target your inbox, domain renewal scams have a retro twist—they often arrive by postal mail. Scammers choose this method because it feels more official and less likely to be questioned. After all, most people are cautious about clicking on email links but may be less skeptical of a physical letter that looks official.

These fraudsters use public domain registration data, pulling your contact information from databases like WHOIS (whois.com). Then they mail you a letter, hoping the official-looking document convinces you to part with your money.

How to Spot and Avoid Fake Domain Letters

It’s easy to avoid falling victim to these scams once you know what to look for. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay safe:

  1. They’re always demanding way too much money. Domain registration should cost you between about $10 and about $20 per year. These scams are typically looking for several hundred dollars.
  2. If it’s by mail, it’s a scam: As we mentioned, no legitimate domain registrar sends renewal notices via postal mail. All genuine renewal notifications come through email or your registrar’s online portal.
  3. Verify through your registrar’s website: If you’re ever in doubt about the status of your domain, log into your account with your official registrar directly. Don’t trust any information that comes from a letter in the mail. Popular registrars include Porkbun, Godaddy, Ionos, Namecheap, Bluehost, and DreamHost. (We have no affiliation with any of these, they’re just popular providers. If you need a recommendation, please reach out to us and we’ll give you our thoughts on them.)
  4. Keep track of your domain expiration date: One of the best ways to avoid these scams is to stay on top of your renewal schedule. Make a note of when your domain actually expires and set reminders to renew it through your registrar. (Pro tip: Include the name of your registrar in the reminder because MANY people forget who they registered the domain with)
  5. Enable domain privacy protection: Protect yourself by enabling privacy protection when you register your domain. This keeps your contact details out of public databases, making it a bit harder for scammers to target you.

Related Scams We’ve Covered

Fake domain renewal letters aren’t the only scam targeting business owners. In fact, we’ve written about domain listing scams in the past, which work in much the same way. These scams also arrive with official-sounding language, urging you to pay for a “listing service” that your domain doesn’t need. Reading through that older, but highly-related post is a smart way to keep yourself protected.

Final Thoughts: Toss That Letter!

As part of our ScamWatch series, our goal is to help small business owners like you stay ahead of scams and keep your operations running smoothly. When it comes to domain renewal letters that show up in your physical mailbox, you can be confident they’re not legit. Throw them away immediately and stick to managing your domain renewals through trusted, verified channels.

By staying alert and informed, you can avoid falling for these tricks and ensure your business stays protected. If you ever have questions or come across something suspicious, feel free to reach out or revisit our articles for guidance.

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