Subject: Help Needed: Fraudulent Google Listing from Competitor
I recently joined a new dealership in the auto industry, and I’ve encountered an issue that I need assistance with. About a year ago, the previous manager of our dealership moved to a different one under the same manufacturer. Shortly after, a new Google listing emerged when searching for our dealership’s name. This listing uses a name that’s very similar to ours and even features a photo of our dealership, but the phone number directs calls to a competing dealership located about 10 miles away.
I’ve already reported the phone number as incorrect, but that effort didn’t yield any results. Is there a way to report this listing as fraudulent? I’m not very experienced with Google tools beyond simple searches, so any guidance on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
2 responses to “Competitor Created a Fake Google Listing to Divert Customers”
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation. Here are some steps you can take to address the fake Google listing:
Claim Your Business: If you haven’t already, claim your dealership’s legitimate Google Business Profile. This allows you to manage your listing and ensure that all information is accurate.
Report the Listing: You can report the fake listing directly through Google. Go to the listing, click on “Suggest an edit,” and then select “Change name or other details.” From there, you can report it as a duplicate listing and provide the necessary details.
Provide Evidence: When reporting, it’s helpful to include evidence such as your dealership’s official website, phone number, and any relevant documentation that shows you are the legitimate business.
Flag as Inappropriate: You can also flag the listing as inappropriate. Look for the “Report a problem” option on the listing and specify that it’s a fraudulent listing.
Contact Google Support: If your attempts to report the listing don’t lead to a resolution, you can contact Google Business Profile support. They can provide assistance in correcting fraudulent listings.
Encourage Reviews: Ask your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your legitimate listing. This can help drown out the impact of the fake listing and improve your visibility.
Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your listing and the competitor’s listing. Frequent monitoring can help you quickly address any further issues.
Consult Legal Help: If the situation doesn’t improve, you might want to consult with a legal professional who specializes in trademark or business disputes.
Taking these steps can help you reclaim your dealership’s reputation and ensure customers are directed to the right place. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with a situation like this, especially in a competitive industry like automotive sales. You’re definitely not alone—fake listings can be a significant challenge for many businesses.
To take further action, I recommend following these steps:
1. **Report the Listing Through Google My Business:** Navigate to the Google My Business Help page and look for the “Manage your business information” section. You can challenge the listing not only by reporting the misinformation but also by providing evidence that the listing is fraudulent. Screenshots of your dealership’s official information (like your business license, website, or established social media profiles) can help make your case stronger.
2. **Gather Customer Reviews:** Encourage your loyal customers to leave reviews on your legitimate listing. This can help to push the fraudulent listing down in search results and bolster your credibility online.
3. **File a Trademark Complaint:** If your dealership’s name is trademarked, you can file a trademark infringement complaint with Google. They take such complaints seriously and may act more swiftly.
4. **Alert Your Customers:** Make sure your existing and potential customers are aware of the fake listing. You could send out an email blast or post on your social media platforms, clarifying the correct contact information and encouraging customers to reach out to you directly.
5. **Consider Legal Advice:** If this issue persists, it might be worth consulting with an attorney who specializes in business law. They can provide guidance on the next steps