Answers / Google Business Profile

How Do I Report a Competitor's Fake Google Listing?

For one misleading listing, use "Suggest an edit" in Google Maps and report it as offensive, harmful or misleading. For fake business names, phone numbers or URLs that look fraudulent, use Google's Business Redressal Complaint form, which also accepts multiple listings at once.

Option 1: Suggest an edit (single listing)

1. Open Google Maps and find the business.
2. Select Suggest an edit, then Place is closed or not here.
3. Choose Offensive, harmful, or misleading, then Submit.

Option 2: Business Redressal Complaint form

Google points to this form when you find "misleading business names, phone numbers, or business URLs on Maps that raise suspicion of fraudulent activity." You can report several businesses at once by uploading 10 or more profiles or a spreadsheet of URLs.

What counts as a violation

Use Google's own guidelines as your checklist:

• Keywords stuffed into the name ("Best Plumber Vancouver 24/7").
• A virtual office or mailbox used as an address. Google says these aren't eligible.
• More than one profile for the same location.
• Phone numbers or URLs that redirect to another business.

How to make the report stick

• Quote the specific guideline the listing breaks.
• Add evidence: a Street View screenshot showing no business at the address, or the company's real name from its website or state registration.
• Be accurate. Reporting a legitimate competitor because you don't like them wastes your time.

Reviews are a separate process

To report fake reviews, use the review reporting flow, not this form.

Short on time? Our Google Business Profile management keeps these details current for you.

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