Jun 17, 2014 | 2 minute read 
Errors found in Google Maps Listings
Consumers searching for business information online assume they are receiving clear, accurate and up to date information. This may not be the case. Inaccurate and misleading Google Maps and Google Places listings are frequently found on results pages.
Creating a fake Google Maps listings is surprisingly easy. By simply creating a listing in Map Maker and then going to Google Places to create and verify a page, your fake listing can be up and running. Some tricksters have been known to turn ATM machines into business listings.
According to Google, they are working “hard to remove listings that are reported to violate our policies as quickly as possible, and to check bad actors that try to game the system by altering business descriptions once they are live on Google Maps. We encourage users to let us know when they see something that might violate our guidelines by using our ‘Report a Problem’ tool, found at the bottom right corner of the map.”
Business owners report that removing fake listings isn’t as easy as we would hope. The ‘Report a Problem’ option is reported to be ineffective as many Google listings editors seem to be reluctant to take down listings that are proven to be fakes.
The real problem here is that fake listings can cost your business money. When few reported locations are actual businesses, it diverts customers from legitimate businesses to call centers and other locations that can take customers for a ride.
To ensure your brand’s listings are accurate and at the top of results pages, invest a portion of your marketing budget in Local Listings Management services. The best Local Listings Management services claim, edit and continuously monitor your listings for accuracy, updating information as needed. Accurate listings for your business across online directories, review and social media sites can increase your real estate on search engine results pages while also increasing the value of your Google+ page.
