What Can I Do About Competitors With Illegal Maps?

If you encounter competitors who have illegal Maps listings, you can take action by reporting these illegal Maps directly through Google Maps. By following a few straightforward steps, you can help remove fraudulent or non-existent business listings that may be misleading customers and harming your business reputation.

Full Explanation

Illegal Maps listings refer to business entries on Google Maps that are not genuine, such as businesses that do not actually exist at the listed location. This can negatively impact your business if competitors are using these listings to gain unfair advantages or confuse potential customers. Google provides a way to report these illegal entries to maintain the integrity of its mapping service.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Visit maps.google.com.
Locate the illegal Google Map listing you wish to report.
Click on the option labeled “Suggest another” which allows you to recommend edits or report issues with the location.
From the options available, select “Remove” to initiate removal of the incorrect listing.
Mark the listing as “Not existing” to indicate that the business does not operate at the listed address.
To strengthen your report, provide photos that clearly demonstrate there is no such business at that location. This evidence helps Google verify the claim more effectively.

Real Examples

Imagine a competitor’s business that appears on Google Maps but in reality, there is no physical store at the address shown. By following the above steps, you can report this false information. Including photographic proof showing the absence of any business signage or storefront solidifies your case for removal.

Common Mistakes

Failing to provide clear evidence such as photos, which weakens the report.
Choosing the wrong option when suggesting edits, for example selecting “Moved” instead of “Not existing.”
Not submitting the report through maps.google.com, which is the official and most effective channel for addressing these issues.

FAQs

Can anyone report illegal Maps listings?
Yes, anyone can report a false or illegal listing by following the proper procedure on Google Maps.

How long does it take for a reported listing to be removed?
Removal times can vary depending on the evidence provided and Google’s review process, but submitting clear photos can help speed up verification.

What if the business does exist but is incorrectly listed?
In that case, you should suggest corrections rather than removal, focusing on updating the information accurately.

Key Takeaways

Reporting illegal Maps listings is an effective method to maintain fair competition and accurate online business representation.
Use Google Maps’ “Suggest another” and then “Remove” feature to report non-existent businesses.
Mark listings as “Not existing” and back your claim with photos for stronger evidence.
Proper reporting helps Google keep its Maps service reliable and benefits all businesses and users.