Why GMB Spam Reporting Matters for UK Businesses
Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business or GMB) plays a big role in how customers find businesses online. If someone in your area searches for a product or service, they’re likely to check the map results at the top of Google before anything else. As a business owner, you want your listing to be shown accurately and fairly.
But what happens when your competitors cheat the system? That’s where GMB spam reporting comes in.
Some businesses break the rules by adding fake locations, stuffing their names with keywords, or using incorrect categories. This type of spam not only gives them an unfair advantage but can also push your genuine business down the local rankings. When customers can’t find the correct contact information or location, everyone loses, including them.
At WebWorks Media, we’ve seen how frustrating this issue can be. That’s why we help businesses across the UK report GMB spam listings the right way and keep their online visibility honest and clear.
What Counts as GMB Spam?
Before you start reporting, it’s good to know what counts as spam on Google. Here are some common types we see:
Keyword-Stuffed Business Names
Some businesses include unnecessary words in their business name to rank for more search terms. For example, instead of “London Flooring Co,” they might list their name as “London Flooring Co – Wood, Vinyl, Carpets, Cheap Flooring Services.” This breaks Google guidelines, which only allow the real-world business name.
Fake Locations or Addresses
We’ve come across listings with fake office addresses to appear in areas they don’t serve. Or worse, they list residential addresses and pretend it’s a storefront. This is misleading and against the rules. Google wants customers to find genuine, physical locations.
Duplicate Listings
Some companies create several listings for the same business to dominate the map pack. This can confuse customers and dilute the accuracy of search results. If you see duplicate entries, you can report them directly.
Misleading Categories
Businesses sometimes choose popular categories that don’t match what they do, just to get better visibility. This means someone looking for a solicitor might end up calling a locksmith, not exactly helpful.
By understanding these spam behaviours, you can spot them quickly and take action.
How to Report GMB Spam Correctly
We’ve had lots of success helping clients clean up their local area on Google. If you want to do the same, follow these straightforward steps:
1. Sign in Into Your Google Account
First, sign in to the account you use for your Google services. This could be the same one tied to your business.
2. Find the Problem Listing
Do a search for the business name or keyword and location (for example, “plumber in Manchester”) and look for any suspicious listings.
3. Use the “Suggest an Edit” Button
Click on the listing, scroll down, and press “Suggest an edit.” You’ll see two options:
- Change name or other details
- Remove this place
If the business has stuffed keywords or is using the wrong category, choose “Change name or other details.” If it’s a duplicate or fake listing, select “Remove this place” and explain why.
4. Fill Out the Redressal Form (for Serious Offenders)
If the edit isn’t enough, or you’ve seen repeated spam from a business, use Google’s Redressal Complaint Form. This form lets you explain the issue in detail and even attach evidence like images or links to official websites.
You can access the Redressal form through this link: Redressal Complaint Form
Make sure your complaint is detailed and to the point. Stay professional and polite; you’re far more likely to be taken seriously.
Best Practices When Reporting
To get the result you want, a little preparation makes a big difference. Here’s what works:
Gather Evidence
Screenshots, business cards, or photos go a long way. If a competitor has a fake address, take a picture of the building showing it’s not their office. You can also look for inconsistencies on their website or social media.
Check Online Directories
Compare business details with other directories like Yelp, Yell, or LinkedIn. If the contact details don’t match up, it can support your report to Google.
Keep a Tracker
If you’re reporting multiple listings or if this is part of ongoing competitor monitoring, keep a spreadsheet to track who you’ve reported, when, and what the result was.
At WebWorks Media, we recommend reviewing your competitors at least once a month. It’s a useful way to stay alert and catch anything unusual early.
Be Patient
Not every edit gets accepted right away. Sometimes Google’s automatic systems accept or reject edits within hours. Other times, someone from the policy team might investigate, which can take several days. You might have to follow up later if nothing happens.
How GMB Spam Harms Honest Businesses
You’ve worked hard to build your online reviews, make accurate listings, and keep your site trustworthy. When spammy businesses fake their way to the top, it pulls traffic and customers away from you.
It also damages trust. A customer who finds a misleading business that never answers the phone or doesn’t actually exist may start to distrust local map results altogether.
Google aims to keep its search results accurate, but it needs help, especially in areas with lots of small businesses. By removing bad actors, you keep the playing field fair.
If your business listing has dropped suddenly and you haven’t done anything wrong, there’s a good chance spam listings are pushing you down.
That’s where we come in. At WebWorks Media, we’ve helped many businesses recover visibility by cleaning up spam-ridden search areas. We know what works and how to write effective reports that get noticed by Google’s review teams.
FAQs
Can anyone report Google My Business spam?
Yes. You don’t need to be a business owner; any Google user can report spam listings they come across. That said, if you’re a competitor, be sure to include only accurate information and don’t use the report feature to attack rivals unfairly.
How long does Google take to respond?
It can vary. Some spam edits are processed in hours, especially if it’s a clear abuse like keyword stuffing. More complex reports can take several days or even weeks, particularly if you submit through the Redressal form.
Will Google tell me if they take down a listing?
Not always. For simple “Suggest an edit” submissions, Google may or may not contact you, but you can check back later to see if the changes took place.
For redressal reports, you will usually get an email response letting you know the outcome of your complaint.
What should I do if nothing happens?
Don’t give up. Try again with more evidence, or even contact Google support via chat or phone. You can also get help from experts like us at WebWorks Media, where we guide businesses through the whole process.
Can GMB spam reporting affect my own listing?
Not if you follow the rules. Google encourages community-based reporting to improve overall accuracy. As long as you’re not bending the rules yourself, you’ll be fine. In fact, cleaning up spam near you can help your listing move up in search results naturally.
Keep Your Business Seen and Trusted
Spam listing on Google hurts everyone: customers, business owners, and even Google itself. Reporting problem listings is something we can all do to protect the quality and fairness of local search.
With the right approach, you won’t just remove fake listings from the map; you’ll make it easier for genuine businesses like yours to stand out. If you suspect dirty tactics in your area, take action today.
Need a hand? At WebWorks Media, we support local UK businesses like yours with tailor-made support for digital visibility, GMB spam reporting, and local SEO. Get in touch now for practical support that actually makes a difference.
