Medium riskEmail Scams

Google Business Profile Email Scam

This scam emails small business owners claiming their online business profile or map listing will be suspended or unverified unless they confirm details or pay a fee through a link, stealing logins or money.

Quick verdict

Risk level

Medium risk

Scam type

Business-listing impersonation phishing

Main red flag

An email threatens to suspend your business listing unless you verify or pay via a link.

What to do first

Do not use the link. Manage your listing only through the official business dashboard.

What this scam usually looks like

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report

Example pattern: 'Action required: your business profile is pending removal. Verify your listing within 48 hours to stay visible on search and maps: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

A threat to suspend or remove your business listing
A link to 'verify' or pay to stay listed
A request for your business account login
An unofficial sender impersonating the platform
Pressure with a short deadline

What to do

Manage your listing only through the official business dashboard
Verify any notice by logging in to your real account
Report the email as phishing and delete it
Enable two-factor authentication on your business account

If you already clicked or replied

If you entered your login, change the password immediately
Review who has access to your business profile
Remove unknown managers or connected apps
Watch for changes to your listing details

What not to do

Do not verify or pay through links in these emails
Do not share your business account login
Do not trust a deadline threatening removal

Similar scams

High risk Social Media

Facebook Business Page Scam

This scam targets page owners with a message or email posing as Facebook or Meta, claiming a policy violation or that the page will be unpublished. A fake 'appeal' or 'verify business' link steals the admin's login.

Medium risk Email

Domain Renewal Scam

Domain renewal scams target website and small business owners with urgent emails or invoices claiming a domain is about to expire. The message often poses as your registrar or a vague "domain services" provider and pushes you to renew through a link. The aim is usually to charge inflated fees, capture your card details, or steal the login to your registrar account so the domain can be taken over.

Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.

Frequently asked questions

Will my listing really be removed?

Genuine listing management happens in the official dashboard, not through urgent emails with outside links. Log in directly to check your real status.

Do I have to pay to stay listed?

Basic business listings are generally free to manage through the official platform. Demands to pay to avoid removal are a scam sign.

I logged in through the link. What now?

Change your password, review profile access, remove unknown managers, and enable two-factor authentication.

How do I manage my profile safely?

Sign in to the official business dashboard directly and handle verification and edits there, ignoring unsolicited email links.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.