Google Won’t Call You!
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to have a special relationship with or claiming to be Google, don’t be fooled.
Google is brand name that everyone can trust. They’ve built their reputation on being reliable and user-friendly, and they treat their customer information with the utmost security. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people will sometimes try to use Google’s name to scam unsuspecting consumers. Google specifically states on their website that they do not and will not call you to solicit listing, maps or profile services. So no matter what the voice on the other end of the phone says, BEWARE! It’s not Google!
Beware of Telemarketers
One such example of a scam using Google’s name is the telemarketing scam. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to have a special relationship with or claiming to be Google, don’t be fooled. These telemarketers are not affiliated with Google, and are simply trying to use the Google brand to sell you some unnecessary service.
Remember, Google does not place robocalls, and will not call you to “update your front page listing” or ask you to “claim your free website.” They also do not charge for inclusion in Google Search or Google My Business. If you have encountered someone using the Google brand name as part of a scam, you are encouraged to report the incorrect use of the Google Trademark.
How to Protect Yourself
If telemarketers are bothering you or your business, consider adding your phone number to the Do Not Call Registry. The National Do Not Call Registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, and allows consumers to choose whether or not to receive telemarketing phone calls at home or at your business. 31 days after registering, if telemarketers are still bothering you, you will be able to file a complaint with the FTC against the telemarking company for harassment.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Google has taken the time to document many of the scams using their name, including the telemarketing scam described above.
The FTC handles complaints about deceptive or unfair business practices, and will help you file a complaint against the company which scammed you. To file a complaint, you can visit http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm, call 1-877-FTC-HELP, or write to the following address:
Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
Washington, D.C. 20580
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – keep yourself safe while browsing the internet by only giving your personal information to trusted, reliable websites, and doing your research before agreeing to anything.
