Google has refreshed its Business Profile help page on protecting against fraudulent calls and texts, giving business owners a clearer way to spot real communication from scams.
The updated page now explains how to identify legitimate messages sent through WhatsApp and RCS, two channels Google increasingly uses to reach business owners. Along with this, Google refreshed many of its example scenarios so they reflect what business owners are actually experiencing today.
How to Spot a Real WhatsApp Message from Google?
According to Google, business owners should only respond to communication coming from verified official accounts. On WhatsApp, that means looking for the blue verification checkmark next to the sender’s name. The verified account will show up as “Google Maps” or “Google Maps” followed by the country name, such as “Google Maps Indonesia.”
If you want to dig deeper into how these verified accounts work, Google has a page explaining WhatsApp verified business accounts.
Identifying Genuine RCS Messages
For business owners using RCS messaging on Android or iOS, the same idea applies. Legitimate messages from Google will show a blue verification checkmark beside the sender’s name, and the registered business name will simply read “Google.”
To learn more about how RCS verification works, check out Google’s guide on RCS chats with registered businesses.
Out with the Old Examples
One of the more noticeable changes is the removal of outdated examples from the pandemic era, things like questions about indoor dining policies. Those references have now been swapped out for scenarios that feel more relevant to today’s business landscape.
Why This Update Matters?
If you manage your own Business Profile or handle profiles for clients, this update is worth a read. Knowing how to tell the difference between a genuine call or message from Google and a fraudulent one can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
For those who want to see exactly what changed, there’s a side-by-side comparison available between the older version and the current version of the help page.
