Fake Google Verification Badge Scam
Scammers send emails or messages impersonating Google, claiming recipients can obtain a 'Google Verified Business' or 'Google My Business verification badge' by paying a fee or providing credentials — neither of which Google requires.
Part of: Verification Badge Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Google offers a genuine verification process for businesses listing on Google Maps through Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Real verification is free and uses a postcard, phone call, or video call to confirm business ownership. Google does not charge a fee for verification and will not verify a business via an email that asks for payment.
Fraudsters target small business owners who are keen to show a trusted presence on Google Maps and Search. They impersonate Google's business communications team, offering a paid 'enhanced verification' or 'trust badge' service that does not exist.
A secondary variant targets individual users and creators, claiming that a new 'Google Verified' profile badge is available for a small fee, or that an existing Gmail or Google account can be given a verified checkmark by completing a sign-in on a specific page.
How this scam works on the Google brand
Business owners receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to represent 'Google My Business Support' or 'Google Partnerships.' The message says their business profile is eligible for a verified badge or an elevated listing position, but a small processing fee of $50-$300 is required. Payment is requested via credit card on a non-Google website, or via gift card.
Alternatively, a phishing email claims that Google is rolling out verification badges to Gmail users who confirm their identity. A link leads to a fake Google sign-in page where credentials are harvested. Some campaigns then display a congratulatory screen with a fake blue checkmark graphic, giving the illusion that the badge has been applied.
Search ads are also used: a business searching 'Google My Business verification' clicks a sponsored result that leads to a third-party service claiming to verify the listing on Google's behalf for a fee.
Common red flags
- Google verification for businesses is always free — any request for payment is a scam.
- The email is not from @google.com or @googlebusiness.com — check the full sender address.
- You are asked to sign in to Google on a page whose URL is not accounts.google.com.
- The caller cannot link you to your actual Google Business Profile dashboard at business.google.com.
- The 'badge' offer arrived unsolicited rather than through a notification inside your Google Business Profile dashboard.
- The verification process involves a payment card or gift card rather than a postcard, phone call, or video verification.
How to protect yourself
- Manage your Google Business Profile directly at business.google.com — Google's official portal, not a third-party service.
- Google's real verification steps involve no fees. If anyone charges you for it, decline.
- Never sign in to Google on a page you reached via an unsolicited email or search ad link.
- If you paid for a fake badge service, dispute the charge with your card issuer and report the company.
- Report the phishing email to Google at [email protected].
How to report it
- Report phishing emails to [email protected].
- Report the fraudulent website to Google at safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/.
- Report the scam business to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- In the UK, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk and to the Advertising Standards Authority if ads were used.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a paid Google verification service for businesses?
No. Google Business Profile verification is entirely free. Third-party services charging for 'Google verification' are not affiliated with Google and provide no benefit that you cannot achieve yourself for free.
How does real Google My Business verification work?
You claim your business at business.google.com and Google verifies ownership via a postcard mailed to the business address, a phone or text code, or a video call — all at no cost.
Can individual Gmail users get a verified checkmark?
Google does not currently offer a public verification checkmark for personal Gmail accounts in the same way social media platforms do. Any email claiming to offer this for a fee is a scam.