You’re sitting at your desk, managing a thousand things, when your phone rings. The number looks local, so you answer, only to hear: “This is a call from Google Maps, and we need to verify your business profile.” 😒 Cue the sigh, the eye roll, and possibly some creative curse words. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These sneaky calls are all too common, and, frustratingly, they keep coming from different numbers, making blocking them a game of whack-a-mole. But fear not—Syndicate Marketing has your back! Here’s how you can combat these persistent pests.

Steps to Stop the Madness:

1. Do Not Engage
   Just hang up. Seriously. Do not give these callers any information about you, your business, or your Aunt Mildred’s cat. Google will never call you to verify or update your business profile. Save your breath—and possibly your business data.
2. Report the Call to Google
   While hanging up gives you a bit of satisfaction, taking it a step further and reporting the call is even better. Help Google track these scammers by reporting the call using the links below:

• Where can I report fake spam listings?
• Google Business Redressal Form

3. Block the Number
   Yes, it’s tedious, but block each new number that comes in. Use your phone’s built-in call-blocking feature or download an app like Nomorobo or Truecaller. This won’t stop the calls entirely, but it’s a step toward sanity.
4. Register with the Do Not Call List
   Visit the National Do Not Call Registry and add your business number. While this won’t eliminate all spam calls (especially from overseas scammers), it can significantly reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.
5. Educate Your Team
   Make sure everyone who might answer your business phone knows that these calls are fake. Train them to hang up immediately and never to provide information. Maybe even create a fun role-play scenario to see who can hang up the fastest!
6. Use Caller ID and Call Screening Services
   Many phone systems and apps offer screening services that help identify and block spam calls before they even ring through. Consider investing in one of these if your business is getting bombarded.
7. Document the Calls
   If you’re receiving a high volume of these calls, keep a record of the number, time, and what was said. This can help if you decide to take further action with local authorities or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Helpful Resources to Keep Spam at Bay:

1. National Do Not Call Registry (U.S.)
   Website: donotcall.gov
   Register your number to reduce telemarketing calls. (Sorry, it doesn’t stop political robocalls. We wish!)
2. Business-Specific Do Not Call Registries
   Some states maintain their own Do Not Call lists for businesses. Check with your state’s consumer protection office to see if there are local lists you should be on.
3. FTC Complaint Assistant
   Website: FTC Complaint Assistant
   You can file a complaint about unwanted calls, helping the FTC track and potentially take action against persistent offenders.
4. Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Choice
   Website: DMAchoice.org
   Helps reduce direct marketing calls, mail, and emails. Register your business and minimize calls from legitimate DMA members.
5. Canada’s National Do Not Call List (DNCL)
   Website: lnnte-dncl.gc.ca
   For Canadian businesses, this list helps reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.
6. UK Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
   Website: tpsonline.org.uk
   UK businesses can register for free to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales or marketing calls.
7. Australia’s Do Not Call Register
   Website: donotcall.gov.au
   For our friends Down Under, this list allows you to opt-out of unsolicited telemarketing calls.
8. Mobile Service Providers’ Call Filtering Options

• Verizon: Call Filter app
• AT&T: Call Protect
• T-Mobile: Scam Shield

9. Private and Paid Services
   Consider services like Nomorobo, RoboKiller, and Truecaller for more granular control over blocking robocalls and telemarketers.

• Nomorobo
• RoboKiller
• Truecaller

When All Else Fails, Remember You’re Not Alone

Spam calls are annoying, but you’re in good company—many businesses deal with these persistent pests daily. Share your frustration, but also share your solutions. Let’s work together to keep these robocallers from ruining our day, one hang-up at a time!

Need more help with keeping your business safe from scammers and boosting your online presence? Contact Syndicate Marketing—we’re here to help you manage your Google Business Profile and keep your business running smoothly, spam-free!