I’m certain a lot of you might have obtained one or two (or extra) requests from Google Enterprise Profiles saying the proprietor is requested entry to take care of your small business. I simply delete them however I’m listening to from Native SEOs that that is turning into an increasing number of of a problem.
Ben Fisher mentioned within the Native Search Discussion board “I’m seeing a ton of proprietor requests are available in from hijackers, are you all seeing the identical? Began this week.” Others are saying sure, however possibly not simply this week. Scott Rawlins replied, “I noticed fairly just a few possibly 3 weeks in the past (for a few weeks), however the requests have dramatically declined for me.” Sarah mentioned “Final week I acquired 5 rip-off requests from the identical individual! I’m used to getting possibly 3 a month, however I too have seen a rise just lately.”
Right here is the Google assist doc on possession requests that claims “If a Enterprise Profile on Google has already been verified and also you’re approved to handle the profile, you may request possession from the present profile proprietor. If you cannot discover a “Declare this Enterprise” or “Personal this enterprise” hyperlink on the Enterprise Profile, you’re doubtless already an proprietor for the enterprise. In your profile, seek for a “You handle this enterprise profile” badge.”
Simply be on the outlook for these requests, they could appear official and if you don’t personal the enterprise and also you simply handle that enterprise for a consumer, be tremendous cautious earlier than granting somebody you do not know entry to that enterprise itemizing.
This isn’t a brand new problem, it has been happening for a few years however there are studies of an uptick on this fraudulent exercise.
You do not need a competitor getting access to your small business itemizing on Google after which requesting the enterprise to be faraway from Google Maps and Google Search.
Discussion board dialogue at Native Search Discussion board.