Google Checking Up On Places Pages

According to a recent post by Search Engine People, several business owners have reported being called by Google, who appear to be carrying out checks on businesses with Google Places pages. I haven't heard or seen anything of this here in SA, but it might be something to keep in mind, just in case you get a phone call from Google. Do be sure that it really is from Google, as there are some scams out there where people are pretending to be from Google for various reasons.

Verify Or Be Removed

According to one business owner, he had to hang up during his call to deal with a client, and when he next checked his listing, it had been removed. If Google calls to verify a business listing, you'll need to provide your business name, address, phone number and email address. They may also ask what areas your business serves. They may ask for the email address that you use to log in to Google Places, but they will never ask for your password.

Nothing To Worry About

It's unlikely that Google will be verifying South African businesses by phone call any time soon, but on the off chance that it does happen, it's nothing to worry about. To protect yourself however, make sure they only ask for information that is publicly available from your places page anyway. If anybody asks you for your password, then it's not Google.