Hacking and stealing Google Business Profiles has been on the rise for some time. It may be initiated by competitors or by Internet thieves or hijackers seeking ransom. And sometimes it’s just plain vandalism. No matter the reason, it happens and you should do everything you can to protect your GBP (formerly GMB) from all unethical and unwanted intruders.

What You Should Do to Protect Your GBP and your Business

Here are some simple tips on how to prevent your Google Business Profile from being hijacked:

• Enable two-factor authentication for your Google account. This will add an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for someone to gain unauthorized access.
• Respond to ownership requests promptly. If you receive an ownership request from someone you don’t know, decline it immediately. This is critical. Bad actors will often click the “Claim this Business” link in a knowledge panel or GBP listing. 
• Limit the permissions that people have to your Google Business Profile. Only give people the permissions they need to do their job. For example, you might give an employee permission to post reviews, but not permission to change the business information. We’ve seen cases where a business worker or a hired consultant may respond to ownership requests without checking carefully who issued the request. Be certain only the right personnel can reply to ownership requests.
• Only add verified owners to your Google Business Profile. This means adding people who have a legitimate business relationship with your company, such as employees, partners, or vendors. You can verify ownership by having them sign in to their Google accounts and confirming their identity.
• Monitor your Google Business Profile regularly. Check for any changes to the information, photos, or reviews. If you see anything suspicious, report it to Google immediately.
• Be aware of the signs of a hijacked Google Business Profile. These signs include:

• Changes to the business information, such as the address, phone number, or hours of operation.
• Negative reviews or spammy content.
• A link to a website that is not your own.

If You Think your Google Business Profile has Been Hijacked

These are a few steps you should take if you think your Google Business Profile may have been stolen:

1. Report the hijacking to Google. You can do this by following the instructions on the Google Business Profile help page: https://support.google.com/business/answer/4566671?hl=en.
2. Change the password for your Google account. This will help to prevent the hijacker from accessing your account again.
3. Contact your hosting provider if your website has been hacked. They will be able to restore your website to its original state.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent your Google Business Profile from being hijacked. For help claiming, maintaining, or optimizing your Google Business Profile and your local search footprint, contact OpenMoves. Our Local SEO experts can help. Read our case studies for more information.