To protect your Google Business Profile, we strongly recommend you to follow the steps below.
Claim all your business locations
Claim all of your business locations on Google Maps and Search. Please be advised that unclaimed locations will make your business more vulnerable and prone to hijacks. Learn how to add or claim your Business Profile on Google.
To check if a Business Profile has been claimed or not:
On Google Search:
- On your computer, open Google Search.
- Search for your business name.
- On the right, check the Knowledge Panel that displays your business information:
- If the Knowledge Panel includes a link that says "Own this business?" or "Claim this business," then your Business Profile isn't claimed yet.
- If you click on "Own this business?" and you get a screen that says "Someone else may manage this Business Profile" then your Business Profile is claimed
- If you click on "Own this business?" and the next screen says "Manage this business to reply to reviews, update info and more" then your profile isn't claimed yet.
On Google Maps:
- On your computer, open Google Maps.
- Search for your business name.
- If you see "Claim this business" on the “About” tab, then your Business Profile isn't claimed yet.
Limit access to your Business Profile
The fewer people who have access to your Business Profile, the less likely it is to be compromised. Only allow owners and managers who are essential to manage the Business profile with access.
Please note that owners can edit and transfer ownership of your business, so add them with extra care. Remove ex-employees’ profile access if they no longer work at your business. Use an email alias for the manager of your profile. Make sure that you still retain access if you add a third party to manage your Business Profile.
Be on the lookout for email requests to become an owner or manager of your Business Profile. Do not approve those requests unless you know the individual requesting access.
Beware of Google impersonation scams
Beware of phone calls, e-mails, or text messages from people who offer to help with your Business Profile in exchange for money. This includes people or companies claiming to be Google support or Google employees. Note that Google doesn’t charge for this service.
Tip: Google will never ask for One Time Password (OTP) or Personal Identification Number (PIN). Google will never try to convince you to pay to maintain your Business Profile. This includes having your Business Profile verified or reinstated.
If you use a third-party to manage your Business Profile, ensure that you still retain access as an owner of your Profile. It’s prohibited to change or disable profile features without your explicit consent. In such cases you can report a violation of the third-party policy.
Follow best security practices to stay safe online
To strengthen the security of your Google account, use strong passwords, keep your devices secure, turn on 2-Step Verification and browse the web safely. Learn more about how to stay safe online.
Third-party managers
Adhere to our policies
Contributions to Google Maps and your Business Profile should reflect a genuine experience and adhere to our policies. Fake engagement and policy-violating content isn't allowed and will be removed. If fake engagement is detected, your Business Profile may be subject to posting restrictions.
To prevent restrictions to your Business Profile, make sure to follow our policies.
