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Last Updated: November 17, 2025
ScamWatch: Don’t Pay for What’s Already Yours – The Google Business Profile Ownership Scam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
We’ve been hearing a lot of chatter lately from our clients about a sneaky new scam making the rounds, and it’s time we shine a big ol’ spotlight on it.
Here’s the setup:
You, a small business owner, get a call. The person on the other end – often with an overseas accent – says they’re offering you “full ownership” of your Google Business Profile (GBP) for a one-time payment. Sometimes it’s $300, sometimes a little more or less. They’ll promise you sole ownership, the ability to delete any reviews you don’t like, and full control over your listing.
Sounds official, right? Maybe even a little tempting?
Don’t fall for it.
Let’s break down why this is 100% a scam and what you actually should know about your Google Business Profile.
1. Google Business Profiles are always free
You do not have to pay to claim, manage, or use your GBP. Google offers this service to business owners completely free of charge. Anyone asking for money in exchange for “ownership” is either confused or trying to rip you off.
2. You can’t “own” your GBP the way they say you can
The terminology these scammers use is misleading at best. While you can claim your GBP and become the primary owner (which gives you full control), that process involves verifying your business – not sending someone your credit card info.
Think of it like your social media account: you sign up, prove it’s yours, and manage it as you see fit. But it’s still hosted by a platform (Google) that has its own rules and systems.
3. “Sole owner” is a made-up title
This is where the scammers get clever. They’ll toss around the term “sole owner” like it’s some kind of premium status. In reality, a GBP has one primary owner, and that person can assign managers or additional owners if they want to. But that’s a management structure – not a tiered payment system. You either have control of your profile or you don’t.
4. You cannot delete reviews just because you don’t like them
This is one of the juiciest promises scammers dangle – “Give us a few hundred bucks and you can remove any bad reviews you want.” Not true. Google has clear policies about reviews, and the only way one gets removed is if it violates those policies. Owning or managing your GBP doesn’t change that.
So, what can you pay for?
It’s completely valid to hire someone to help you recover access to a lost profile, optimize your listing, or manage your local SEO. That’s like hiring a lawyer to handle paperwork or a plumber to fix your leak – you’re paying for expertise, not for something that’s supposed to be free.
But you should never pay someone just to “own” your GBP. That’s like someone selling you the title to your own house after you’ve already moved in.
Final thoughts
Scams like these rely on confusion, urgency, and a bit of fear. They target hardworking business owners who are too busy running their companies to double-check every call that comes in.
So let’s keep it simple:
If someone says you have to pay to own your Google Business Profile, hang up.
If you’re ever unsure about a call or email like this, reach out to someone you trust – your marketing team, your web agency, or even a savvy friend.
We’ll be back with more ScamWatch tips soon. Until then, stay sharp out there.
FAQs
No — Google Business Profiles are always free. You do not have to pay to claim, manage, or use your GBP. If someone asks you for payment for ‘ownership,’ it’s a scam.
The scam involves someone contacting a business owner and offering “full ownership” of their GBP — for a fee. They may promise sole ownership, control of reviews, and exclusive listing control. But this ownership “for sale” does not exist.
No. The concept of “sole owner” as sold by scammers is made‑up. While you can be the primary owner and designate additional owners/managers, there is no legitimate paid upgrade. And having a GBP does not let you delete reviews at will — only reviews that truly violate Google’s policies can be removed.
Yes — but only to pay for expert services like recovering access to a lost profile or optimizing the GBP for visibility. You should not pay just to “own” the profile. Paying for optimization or recovery is like paying a professional for help — paying for ownership is the scam.
Hang up or ignore the request. Do not provide payment or login credentials. If you’re ever unsure, verify independently via official channels (e.g. your GBP dashboard or Google support) or consult a trusted agency — but never trust unsolicited requests demanding payment for GBP ownership.
Monitor emails for ownership‑request notices; only respond if you initiated them. Reject any unsolicited requests. Keep your account secure (strong password + two‑factor authentication). Regularly check your listing and access permissions. And never pay for ‘ownership’ — GBP is free.
The Geeks At Google Just Threw A Monkey Wrench Into Your Day
Last Updated: November 4, 2025
Up in their ivory tower, Google’s just cooked up what they seem to think are a pair of small changes. But out here in the real world, we’re about to face a mess. They just turned Google Maps into HomeAdvisor AND are giving you less value for your Local Service Ads (LSA) dollar.
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off, then go over some ways you can salvage a win from each of these changes.
1. The “Have AI Get Prices” Button
Google just turned your business into a line item on a price comparison list with this new feature they’re trialing. It’s appearing in some areas and for some searches, but there’s a high probability this becomes a standard feature soon.
What it looks like
A new blue button now appears under the map-pack: “Have AI Get Prices.”
How this likely works
- Customer taps
- Google’s bot calls or texts you and your competitors looking for pricing info
- You have just moments to blindly name a price or be left out
- Google compiles the data and delivers it via text or email to the customer
What we expect it to look like from the business’ side
Let’s say someone searches for “shower repair in Austin.” Instead of calling you, they tap the button.
- Google’s AI sends your business a message (via call, text, or chat) asking for a price quote based on the user’s request.
- You’ll get a short message like: “A customer in your area is looking for a price to repair a leaking shower. Please reply with an estimate.”
- You won’t know much. Most likely you’ll have no photos, no call, no way to ask questions. Just a vague request and a tight window to answer.
It’s starting to sound a lot like HomeAdvisor, but with even less interaction with the client. It’s turning you into a commodity.
Why it feels like a gut punch
- You’re in the middle of a job.
- You have no idea what the problem ACTUALLY looks like.
- If you ghost the bot, it instantly serves the job to the two other guys who answered in 11 seconds.
It’s HomeAdvisor-style race-to-the-bottom
Week 1: Everyone quotes real prices.
Week 2: The clown low-balling by $200 wins every lead.
Week 3: Margins are gone and you hate your life.
Week 4: The clown is broke and so are you.
How to win anyway (do this now)
- Build a response plan
Prepare some fast, flexible “starting at” responses that give customers something to compare, without locking you into a price. These can be saved as quick replies or text snippets on your phone.
Snippet 1: “Typical shower rebuild starts at $398. Requires a free 15-min inspection to confirm.”
Snippet 2: “Drippy faucet fixes usually run $109 and up. Same-day available.”
Snippet 3: “Water heater replacement starts at $1,299. Includes haul-away of old heater.”
Snippet 2: “Drippy faucet fixes usually run $109 and up. Same-day available.”
Snippet 3: “Water heater replacement starts at $1,299. Includes haul-away of old heater.”
- Make sure someone answers the AI
You need someone who can respond fast. That can be your office admin, your cousin who’s helping part-time, or a dedicated answering service. Give them your pricing sheet and let them reply to AI quote requests instantly while you’re on the job. It’s actually more affordable than most people think.
We recommend Professional Answering Service. We’ve worked with them before and can get you preferential rates if you want to give them a shot. - Close the upsell in the driveway
These quotes are just your foot in the door. The real money comes when you’re face-to-face with the homeowner. When presented with a Goldilocks style list of options, a large percentage will choose the better, more-profitable option. That’s your paycheck, so don’t leave it on the table.
Set this up by Friday and the bot becomes your $0 receptionist.
2. Green “Guaranteed” Badge Is Now A Blue “Verified” Badge
Google killed the green checkmark and the $2,000 refund promise in October. No longer do you get the guarantee that came with your LSA campaign.
What you still have
-
- Same top-of-page LSA placement.
- Same background checks.
- Nearly the same trust, but now in millennial blue.
How to Turn This Into a Win
- Screenshot your new blue badge.
- Text your recent customers:
“Hey John! We just went Google Verified 🔥 Quick 20-second favor: tap here to leave us a review?”
[Link straight to your Google review form]
- Add one line to every email, invoice, and homepage:
“Google Verified + OUR Fix-It-Free Promise”
Here’s the truth:
- These tools are built for customers, not for your convenience.
- Ignoring them doesn’t make THEM go away…just YOU.
- Playing along (smartly) can still put money in your pocket.
So prep your price snippets. Get someone on quote duty. Show off that shiny blue badge. You don’t have to be the cheapest, you just have to be the fastest to show up and the best at following through.
Do that, and the robot doesn’t replace you, it routes the job straight to you.
Google Changes & Local Service Business FAQs
Google is trialing a new feature where a “Have AI Get Prices” button appears in the local map results. When a user taps it, Google’s bot may contact your business and competitors via call, text or chat to get price quotes, then the user receives a compiled list of prices. This turns your service into a commodity‑list item.
Because the business gets very little context — no photos, limited information, and only a short time window to respond. This “quote‑race” dynamic can force businesses into low‑margin bidding, resembling the model of lead‑generation platforms like HomeAdvisor.
Prospect Genius recommends: (1) Build “starting at” pricing snippets you can respond with quickly; (2) Ensure someone (an answering service or staff) is ready to respond instantly to the AI quote request; (3) Use the quick quote to get the prospect in the door, then upsell the profit‑making job when you meet the customer in person.
Google replaced the green “Guaranteed” badge (which included a refund promise) with a blue “Verified” badge in October. This means the refund guarantee is gone, though the placement and background check requirements remain largely unchanged.
Businesses should screenshot the blue badge, promote it by text‑messaging recent customers to leave reviews, and add a line on their website/emails/invoices like “Google Verified + OUR Fix‑It‑Free Promise” to maintain trust and differentiate despite the removed refund guarantee.
The broader message is: these tools are built for consumers, not necessarily optimized for your convenience. Ignoring the changes doesn’t make them go away—but adapting can allow you to harness them. Be the fastest to respond and deliver the best experience, so rather than being replaced by the bot, you become the routed business.
Getting Verified on Google Local Services: What It Really Takes
Last Updated: October 29, 2025
Getting your business verified on Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) is something a lot of business owners want. That green (soon to be blue) checkmark next to your name? It tells customers you’re legit. It can help you show up higher in search, build trust, and bring in better leads.
But let’s be honest: getting there is not simple. If you’ve tried to get verified , or worse, had your listing pulled down , you already know how strict Google can be. From background checks to business licenses to physical addresses, the process can feel like a full-time job. And for small businesses just trying to keep the phones ringing, it can be a serious headache.
This guide breaks down what Google’s really asking for, why it matters, and what you can do to get through it without wasting time or money.
What Are Google Local Service Ads and Why Should You Care?
Google Local Service Ads are pay-per-lead ads that show up at the top of search results when someone looks for services in your area. Think “plumber near me” or “emergency electrician”, LSA ads show up even before Google Maps.
If you’re approved, your listing gets a green checkmark that says “Google Guaranteed,” depending on your setup. That badge helps people trust you faster, especially if they’ve never heard of your business before.
What Google Wants Before They Approve You
To get that checkmark, here’s what Google is going to ask for:
- A valid business license
- A real, physical address that matches your license
- Proof of insurance (for certain trades)
- Background checks , not just for the owner, but for any techs or crew going into homes
If any of that is missing, mismatched, or fails the checks, your application gets denied. No appeals, no second chances. Google treats this like a security process, and they don’t budge.
Action Tip: Before you apply, double check that your business license and physical address match exactly. And make sure your whole team is ready for background checks.
The Virtual Address Problem
Google Does Not Accept Virtual Addresses Anymore
If you’re using a PO box, UPS store, shared office, or mailbox rental, stop right there. Google is cracking down hard on virtual addresses. Even if that setup worked in the past, it’s likely to get flagged now. Businesses that were “grandfathered in” are already losing their listings.
What Happens If You Keep Using One?
- You won’t get verified for LSAs
- Your Google Business Profile could be suspended
- Your Maps pin might disappear
Action Tip: Use a physical address where your business is based. It can be your home, shop, or office , but it must match your paperwork and be a real location that Google can verify.
What Counts as a Valid Business Address?
Google wants to see that you’re a real business in a real place. That means:
- Your address matches your business license
- You have signage with your business name, even if it’s just on the mailbox
- You can pass a live video verification call with Google
And no, you can’t stage something last minute. If it looks fake or thrown together, they’ll reject it. They’ve seen every trick in the book.
Action Tip: Walk through your property like you’re showing it to Google. Make sure the signage is clear, the name matches your paperwork, and nothing looks off.
What If Your Listing Got Suspended?
If your Maps listing or LSA profile got taken down because of a virtual address or missing info, getting it back is possible , but it won’t be easy.
Here’s What to Do:
- Get a valid physical address that matches your business license
- Update your info everywhere, website, licenses, secretary of state filings, insurance, etc.
- Submit an appeal to Google with all the supporting documents
Real Talk: Even if you do everything right, Google might still deny the appeal. They don’t explain themselves, and you might not get a straight answer. That’s just how it is.
Action Tip: Be consistent. Everything from your address to your business name needs to line up. One mismatch and you’re likely to get denied again.
Scams and “Shortcuts” to Avoid
Some folks out there will promise to get you verified on LSAs or recover your Maps listing fast , for a fee. Most of the time, it’s a scam. They’ll take your money and ghost you, or worse, use fake info that gets you permanently banned from Google.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- They ignore your virtual address or say it won’t be a problem
- They promise results without asking for your license, insurance, or background checks
- They say they have an “inside contact at Google”
Action Tip: Ask anyone you hire how they handle Google verification. If they can’t walk you through the legit process step by step, walk away.
Are You Ready to Apply? Use This Checklist
| Question | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have a physical address (not virtual)? | ||
| Does your address match your business license? | ||
| Can you and all field staff pass background checks? | ||
| Do you have visible signage for video verification? |
If you checked “No” to any of these, focus there first. You won’t get approved until everything lines up.
Do’s and Don’ts for Google LSA and Maps Verification
| Action | Why It Works or Doesn’t | Google’s Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Do: Get background checks for owner and field staff | Proves your business is safe to work with | Required for LSA verification |
| Don’t: Use a virtual address | Will get flagged or denied | Virtual addresses are not accepted |
| Do: Match your business license to your address | Avoids data mismatches and delays | All details must align |
| Don’t: Stage a fake location for the video call | Google can spot fake setups fast | Must be a real business location |
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Look, we won’t sugarcoat it. Getting verified for Google LSAs can be a pain. The rules are strict, the process is clunky, and support is limited. But if you can get through it, the payoff is real. You show up higher in search, earn more trust, and get more leads from people ready to book.
Just know this: Google plays by its own rules. You can’t fake it, shortcut it, or sweet-talk your way through. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone, either.
Need help? We’ve helped contractors, handymen, HVAC techs, and more get verified the right way. No fluff. No scams. Just real help so you can focus on doing the work , not chasing paperwork.
Google Local Service Ads Verification FAQs
Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are pay‑per‑lead ads that appear at the top of Google Search results when someone looks for a serviced‑based business in their area (e.g., “plumber near me”). Getting verified on LSAs helps your business earn a badge (such as the “Google Verified” badge) that builds trust, increases visibility, and helps your leads convert better.
Before approval, Google requires you to provide a valid business license, a physical address matching that license, proof of insurance (for applicable trades), background checks on the owner and any field techs or crew, and consistency across your business profile.
Google no longer accepts virtual addresses (such as PO boxes, UPS store boxes, shared office mailboxes) for verification. If you use one, your listing may be denied, suspended or removed. Google treats virtual addresses as a risk to authenticity of location.
If your listing is suspended (for example due to mismatched address or using a virtual address), you must obtain a valid physical address matching your license, update your details across your website, licenses, and profile, and submit an appeal to Google with documentation. However, re‑approval is not guaranteed and Google may not give a detailed explanation.
Yes — you should avoid services that promise fast verification, rely on fake information, or ignore address/licensing/insurance/background check requirements. These may lead to permanent bans from Google. Always follow Google’s legit process.
Despite the burdensome process, it can absolutely be worth it. Getting verified increases your search visibility, builds trust with potential customers and can generate better leads. But you must be prepared: Google’s standards are non‑negotiable.
ScamWatch: Red Flags To Watch For When Hiring A Marketing Company
Last Updated: October 22, 2025
You’ve probably had at least a few smooth-talking marketing folks try to sell you on a “game-changing” package. They’ll throw out big promises and bigger price tags, hoping you’ll sign a long-term contract before you ask too many questions.
Here’s the thing: most of these folks are better at selling themselves than actually bringing you work. So how do you spot the ones who talk a big game but can’t deliver?
Here are six red flags to help you sniff out the BS before you step in it:
1. They Speak in Buzzwords You Don’t Understand
“We’re leveraging PPC to optimize your ROI while aligning your conversion funnel.” Sound familiar?
If someone can’t explain what they do in plain English, chances are they don’t fully understand it either. If they wouldn’t say it at a backyard BBQ, don’t let them say it to you in a sales meeting.
Sure, some jargon will slip into the conversation, that’s inevitable. The red flag is when it’s a steady stream of buzzwords and no effort to explain them (unless you press for it). If they can’t break it down like they’re talking to a relative, you’re not talking to a pro.
2. They Promise You’ll Be “Top of Google” Fast
Getting to the top of Google is like building a house, it takes time, tools, and the right crew. Anyone promising instant SEO results is either lying or using shady tactics that can hurt you down the road.
Now, if you’re running paid ads (PPC), you can buy your way to the top of Google, but that’s not SEO. And it gets expensive fast. A good strategy often uses both, but they need to be coordinated.
The real red flag? When someone talks about instant organic rankings. That’s not how SEO works. Those two go together like ice cream and pickles.
3. They Don’t Ask About Your Business Details
A good marketer doesn’t show up with a pitch deck, they show up with questions. The kind that prove they actually care about making your business succeed. Like:
- Which jobs make you the most money?
- Which towns, cities, or neighborhoods do you want to target?
- Is your focus being low-cost, high-value, premium best-of-the-best, or something else?
If they skip all that and jump straight into a cookie-cutter pitch, they’re not marketing your business, they’re just selling theirs.
4. They Push You Into a Long-Term Contract on Day One
Why lock you into a year-long deal before they’ve proven anything? Simple: they want guaranteed money whether their strategy works or not. A confident, competent marketing partner will offer flexible terms and let their results do the convincing.
That said, it’s not unreasonable to ask for a short-term commitment, something like 3-6 months, especially with SEO campaigns. Results take time. You need content, links, and technical work to be created. Then platforms like Google have to find, index, and rank that content. None of that is instant.
Still, be cautious. Long-term contracts are a favorite tactic of low-quality marketers. They’re often used to lock in revenue without having to actually perform.
5. They Talk About “Brand Awareness” Instead of Leads
Brand awareness is nice, but unless it turns into calls, emails, or bookings, it’s not doing much for you. You’re not here to win design awards; you’re here to get jobs.
Clicks, traffic, and time-on-page are fine to monitor, but they’re not the goal. They’re just early signs that something might be working. A good marketer keeps the main thing the main thing: leads.
6. They Have No Track Record in Your Industry
If you run an appliance repair business and they show you case studies from hair salons or t-shirt shops, that’s a problem.
You need someone who knows how to get results for industries like yours, contractors, electricians, HVAC, plumbing, and so on. While 80% of digital marketing strategies are transferable, the other 20% is industry-specific. That part matters a lot.
Ask to see actual examples from businesses in the trades. If they can’t show you that, you don’t want to be their guinea pig.
Bottom line?
If your gut says something’s off, trust it. This industry is full of slick talkers, snake oil salesmen, and rookies trying to fake it till they make it. Good providers do exist, but this is shark-infested water, so you need to know how to spot a dolphin from a shark.
You’ve worked too hard to hand over your budget to someone who sounds smart but can’t show results. It’s better to have a simple website and a packed calendar than a slick setup that doesn’t bring in a dime.
Marketing Agency Red Flags FAQs
Some common red flags include: the company only using jargon and buzzwords you don’t understand; promising instant top‑of‑Google rankings; not asking detailed questions about your business; pushing you into a long‑term contract immediately; focusing more on ‘brand awareness’ than actual leads; and having no track record in your type of industry.
If a marketing agency speaks in a steady stream of buzzwords and cannot explain their approach in plain English, it could indicate they lack true understanding or are relying on hype rather than proven methods.
No — while you can buy paid ads to appear prominently, genuine organic SEO takes time, tools, and a coordinated strategy. A promise of instant top‑of‑Google rankings is a red flag and may indicate the use of risky or “black hat” tactics.
A strong marketing partner will ask about your best‑performing services, target locations, business positioning (low‑cost vs premium), and other key details. If they skip this and present a cookie‑cutter pitch right away, it suggests they’re selling a generic solution rather than tailoring a strategy to your business.
Not always, but you should be cautious. SEO campaigns often take 3‑6 months to show meaningful results, so a short‑term commitment may make sense. However, being locked into a year‑long contract on day one before any proof of performance is a red flag.
While brand awareness has value, for many businesses the primary goal is generating tangible leads — calls, emails, bookings. A marketing company that emphasizes metrics like clicks or “awareness” without focusing on lead generation may be misaligned with your business needs.
It’s very important. While many marketing fundamentals are transferable, around 20% of strategy is industry‑specific. If an agency shows only case studies from unrelated industries (e.g., salons when you’re in plumbing or HVAC), that’s a red flag.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. The article states: “This industry is full of slick talkers, snake‑oil salesmen, and rookies trying to fake it till they make it.” Good providers do exist, but you need to know how to spot the sharks.
