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As search engine marketing becomes more important for businesses, we continue to see an increase in Google scammers.
We call these scammers the Top of Google Guys. They use several methods to scam unsuspecting businesses, and we discussed several of those methods in our original blog post on the issue.
If you work with these scammers, you will get ripped off.
The challenge for companies to distinguish between legitimate SEO professionals and the scammers proves more difficult than you might think. So, how do you tell the difference between legitimate SEM agencies and the Top of Google scammers who claim to have an “in” with Google?
There are a few red flags to look for when a scammer reaches out to you.
Top of Google Guys Red Flags
Have you ever received an email that looks like this?
“Hello,
Your website, www.yoursite.com, was scanned by our Website Maintenance Tool and we noticed that it has some problems. Please have a look below at what should be fixed:
- Google PageSpeed reported the following problems: View report
- Pingdom suggestions: View report
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization) improvements
Most issues can easily be fixed by professionals. We have a relationship with Google and other search engines, so we can help you. We can guarantee top rankings on Google. Are you are interested in improving your website speed and visibility? We should talk.”
This email, filled with red flags, shows just one of the many types of emails the scammers send.
Red Flag #1: Unsolicited advice.
Your company may be in the middle of looking for an SEM agency, but you did not contact the company or person sending this email.
Red Flag #2: They claim to have a relationship with Google.
Trust us, they do not. Google rarely contacts you via email. If Google does contact you, it is not to sell you search engine marketing services.
Red Flag #3: The email feels canned (because it is).
This scammer sent the same email to hundreds, maybe thousands, of companies.
Red Flag #4: The email references promises or guarantees.
No one can guarantee how the Google search engine algorithm will rank your website. If an SEM or SEO company makes search engine ranking promises, run the other way.
Red Flag #5: The email tries to scare you by referencing “problems” with your website.
These scammers have a history of scaring people into action.
In our experience, these scammers send emails. However, as email spam filters become increasingly advanced and filter out more of their messages, some return to old fashioned cold calling. Well, not really old fashioned cold calls. The Top of Google Guys typically use call-bots.
Fake Google Calls
The real Google states across many of its forums that they rarely call website owners. If they do call you, they never use call-bots. When the real Google calls you, a real human will be on the other end of the call, not an automated voice prompt.
What is a Call-Bot?
We've all received calls from a call-bot (or robocalls). For example, if you call your cable company’s customer service number and speak with a representative, you will often receive a call afterwards asking you to complete a short survey about your experience. The call comes from a call-bot, an automated voice prompt system the cable company uses to perform the survey. You likely never speak to a real human, unless you request to do so. This is an example of a legitimate call-bot.
When a Top of Google Guy uses call-bots to call you, you will first hear an automated message like this when you answer the phone:
“We have important information for you regarding your website. You website may be in danger of losing search engine traffic because of errors found on your site. Please stay on the line for more information.”
If you answer this call and stay on the phone, eventually you will speak to a real person. This person will try to sell you services. They will often attempt to scare you into believing your website “does not work” and will never work, unless you purchase their services.
Reporting the Scammer
First, mark the email as spam, and then delete it. This will keep you from receiving further communications from that email address and domain. Just remember, these scammers have many email addresses from which they send email. Reporting one email as spam may not fully prevent future emails from the scammer.
Next, report the suspicious email to Google. To appropriately report the scam, read Google’s suggestions on how to do so. This will help Google prevent future scams.
Finally, if they call you, request to be put on their Do Not Call list. Then, report the number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
Humor in the Scam
Within most problems, you can almost always find a little humor. This is true for Top of Google Guys.
The scammer found your website through a Google search. This is hilarious because they found your website on Google, and then emailed or called you to say your site cannot be found on Google. How did they find you if your website is not on Google?
The very thing they claim does not work actually DOES work!
At enCOMPASS Agency, we share information about scammers because we have your company's best interest in mind. We want you to have a successful SEM strategy, no matter how you choose to get it done.
If you have questions about the Top of Google Guys, or any other Google questions regarding website rankings, give us a call. We will help you implement the right SEM strategy for your company.
