Is Google Calling or is it a Scam?

Today, you can receive many types of phone calls, including some from automated systems. They range from unsolicited recorded robocalls (which are often scams), to conversational systems that perform a task on behalf of a single user (like booking an appointment). We think it’s important that call recipients understand the difference between trusted automated systems and scams, so we’ve provided resources below.

How to identify legitimate calls from Google:
There are a few circumstances where you may receive a call from someone who claims to be from Google. Here’s how to identify whether it’s a real call from Google or from a possible scammer:

1. Google does not make unsolicited sales calls from an automated system. However, we may place automated phone calls to your business, as a service to Google users, for non-sales tasks like making reservations or confirming your business hours. These calls are only enabled for businesses that offer public phone numbers for the purpose of receiving calls from the general public, and use the automated voice-calling service Duplex.
2. Google will make automated calls from a set of designated numbers. For example, calls from 650-203-0000 will be from Google. If businesses don’t want to accept these calls, they can opt-out by simply saying so on the call. Businesses will also be able to opt-out of reservations or bookings made using Google Duplex.
3. You may receive calls from Google operators for the purposes of development, customer service, or support related to your Google AdWords, Google Play or other Google accounts. However Google will never ask you for payment information over the phone or guarantee you favorable placement in our products.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call:
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make fraudulent and misleading calls. Sometimes, callers or pre-recorded robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies.

Many of these types of calls are not allowed under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them.

Here’s what to do if you receive an unwanted automated robocall from a non-Google entity:

1. Report suspicious calls.
2. Hang up.
3. Help us track down scammers.
4. Prevent future unwanted calls.

Report suspicious calls.
If you continue to receive unwanted calls, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission. To file a formal complaint, go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. You can also submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission here.

Hang up.
If you receive an unwanted call from someone who claims to be Google or working with Google, feel free to hang up at any time. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may lead to more unwanted calls.

Help us track down scammers.
Google understands these types of calls can be bothersome. We are committed to doing our part to try to put a stop to these calls. However, this isn’t always within our control; for example, many of these callers use untraceable phone numbers and other cloaking tactics.

Help us track calls that falsely associate themselves with the Google My Business program. Contact us directly via this webform and include the following information:

• The caller’s company and contact information.
  Any emails or documentation received from the caller as part of a follow-up.
  Any additional information about the call.

Prevent future unwanted calls.
Check out the FTC’s tips on how to handle unwanted calls, and robocalls resources website with additional information about robocalls and steps you can take if you receive one.
Check with your phone company to see if they can block calls from any problematic numbers.
Register your personal number with the National Do Not Call Registry at: www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx or call 1-888-382-1222.

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