As part of a larger focused effort to clean up florist listings on Google Maps, I recently reported an obviously hijacked listing with fake info, fake address and clearly fake reviews.
While I do appreciate Google’s efforts to improve communication, I think their messaging could still use some work. Here’s a clip from Google’s automated response:
Hi Ryan Freeman,
Thanks for sharing your local expertise, and taking the time to report a problem with [disgusting spammer listing] on Google Maps!
[disgusting spammer listing] is an owner verified listing and some updates require the approval of the business owner before they can take effect. The most effective way to update the information about this listing may be to talk directly to the business owner.
So, Google, I take the time to outline for you what your algo missed: Fake, fake & more fake info provided by your “verified” owner. You respond by saying “Talk to the spammer and get him to correct the info.” Thanks for nothing!
I’ll post again if this listing is ever updated or if Google takes action. In the meantime, I guess we’ll have to hope the scammer grows a conscience 🙂
I received the exact same wording (different phony local florist) in a message this morning. Google has let soooo many fake florists claim physical locations in our communities, yet they won’t listen to folks from the communities who honestly report the spammers.
Seems all these guys need is remote call forwarding, and a couple Judy’s Book shill reviews and they’re entrenched.
In many cases, all G would need to do is to take a look at each address in street view. They’ll mostly see PO Box stores or vacant lots – and not florists.
I received the same message from them also for a problem I reported, gee thanks google 🙁
I’m not a florist, but I saw Cathy’s comment on twitter and followed this link. I too have reported a fake/wrong business record to Google. The record was claimed. I got the same bs auto response.
So here is what is occurring:
1. Businesses create fake google places records. They deceive the public. They are aritificial businesses–they only exist in reality within Google–and google is a de facto phone book/yellow pages/411.
2. The fake business person claims the reocord.
3. Now the record in the defacto phone book/yellow pages/411 is secured FOREVER
4. Google establishes a fake system for correcting mistakes.
5. Citizens try and participate and tell Google its fake information.
6. Google formally tells them to jump in the lake!!!
That is 4 of us. There have got to be thousands who get this bs reply.
Google continues to ignore people!!!!
I found a fake listing just up the street from us, and left feedback on the places listing saying that it wasn’t a local listing. I also got in touch with the shop in Montreal that the place page linked to and they said it was an SEO company that set all those up and they would ask them to take this one down. Fingers crossed!
PS: Did I start a flame war? I hope not!
I can’t believe that they would not have a section dedicated to spam so that anyone can report something like this and something actually gets done about it! Amazing! So we should just contact the spammers and tell them or rather ask them nicely if they would just stop what they are doing and actually do some good for once!
Google you’ve done it again!