How are spammers trying to hurt businesses on Google?

Short Answer: Spammers try to harm businesses on Google by suggesting changes to their business listings, including altering the business name, changing the location details, or moving the address to a different place.

Full Explanation

Spammers target business listings on Google as a way to negatively impact a company’s online presence. They do this by submitting suggested edits that can change important business information. Common types of harmful edits include changing the name of the business, modifying its listed location, or moving the business address to an entirely different place. These incorrect edits can confuse customers and reduce trust in the legitimacy of the business.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Spammers find a business listing on Google.
They suggest edits to the listing’s information.
These edits may involve changing key details such as the business name or address.
The listing’s location can be moved to a different physical place through these edits.
Once these changes are made, the business may lose credibility and face customer confusion.

Real Examples

Although exact cases are not specified here, the types of edits spammers try include:

Changing a business name to something misleading or unrelated.
Altering the listed location to a place far from the actual business.
Moving the address to a different property that is unrelated or unprofessional.

Common Mistakes

Not regularly monitoring Google business listings, allowing spam edits to go unnoticed.
Ignoring suggested edits that appear suspicious or inaccurate.
Failing to update information accurately after catching spam edits.

FAQs

Why do spammers want to change my business listing?: Spammers aim to damage your business’s reputation by confusing customers or making your listing inaccurate.
Can I prevent these suggested edits?: While you cannot stop suggestions entirely, regularly reviewing and confirming your listing can help reduce their impact.
What happens if the address is moved to a wrong location?: This can mislead customers, cause lost sales, and harm your business credibility.

Key Takeaways

Spammers attack Google business listings by suggesting edits that change critical information.
These changes often include altering the business name or moving the physical address.
Such manipulations can confuse customers and damage a business’s online trust.
Monitoring and actively managing your Google listing is essential to protect your business.