Imagine this: You’re on your way to that new café Google Maps recommended, but when you arrive, it’s nowhere to be found. Maybe you’re rushing to a mechanic for that unexpected flat tire, but your GPS has led you to an empty lot. Annoying? Absolutely. But for the businesses involved, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a potential disaster.
Welcome to the world of the Google Maps Pin Moving Scam, a crafty new tactic that’s causing havoc for local businesses and their unsuspecting customers.
What is the Pin Moving Scam on Google Maps?
Let’s cut to the chase—this scam is both simple and sinister. Since early 2024, local businesses have reported a sneaky technique being used against them: someone, often a competitor or a disgruntled ex-employee, uses Google’s ‘Suggest an Edit’ feature to move their business pin. The result? Your business appears to be located miles away, potentially in a completely different city.
The worst part? This can happen without your knowledge or consent. One day, your business is where it’s supposed to be, and the next, it’s been virtually relocated to the middle of nowhere.
And here’s the kicker—anyone can suggest these edits. That’s right. Your business’s location could be changed by anyone with an internet connection and a few minutes to spare.
Why Should This Matter to Your Business?
You might be thinking, “How bad can this really be?” Spoiler alert: it’s worse than you think.
Firstly, if your pin is moved, your business visibility takes a nosedive. Your local search rankings could plummet, and suddenly, that prime spot on Google’s map is as good as gone. And with it goes your web traffic, foot traffic, and, ultimately, your revenue.
But it’s not just about lost visibility. It’s about reputation. According to the 2023 Local Business Discovery and Trust report, 62% of consumers avoid businesses with incorrect information online. Imagine customers showing up at a location where you no longer exist—they’re not going to be happy. Negative reviews could start piling up, and no amount of damage control will undo the harm caused by this sneaky scam.
How to Fix It If It Happens to You
By the time you realize your business has been hit, the damage might already be done. But don’t panic—there’s still hope. The key is to act fast and get that pin back to where it belongs.
Step-by-Step Fix
Use a Different Email Address: Avoid using the email associated with your Google Business Profile for this fix. Instead, use a different one to avoid triggering the entire Google Business Profile verification process.
Pro Tip: If you have a connection with a Google Local Guide, ask them to help move the pin back. It could save you a lot of hassle.
Search for Your Business: If you can’t spot the pin right away, search for your business name.
Suggest an Edit: Once you find your business, click ‘Suggest an Edit’ and choose ‘Change name or other details’.
Drag the Pin Back: Move the pin to your correct location or manually enter the right address.
Save the Change: Click save, and voila! Your pin should now be back in its rightful place.
Staying Ahead of the Scammers
Prevention is always better than cure. Google doesn’t currently have a solid fix for this issue, but you can take steps to monitor your business’s location more closely.
Head to your ‘Business Profile settings’ and navigate to ‘Google updates.’ Here, you can choose to ‘accept’, ‘edit and resubmit’, or ‘discard’ updates related to your business’s information, including the map marker. This won’t stop the scam entirely, but it will give you a heads-up if someone tries to mess with your location.
Heads-Up: Be careful with this setting—turning off automatic updates for your map marker means even legitimate changes won’t go through without your approval.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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