How To Spot Companies Using Questionable Practices on Google

When you search for a chimney company on Google, not every result is what it seems. Some listings are misleading or even completely fake. Here’s how to spot red flags and report suspicious business profiles that may be violating Google’s policies.

Location 

Red Flags: 

• Address is a P.O. box, UPS store, virtual office, or abandoned building 
• No business sign or chimney truck visible in Google Street View 
• No public “Open” or “Visit Us” option listed 

Reviews

Red Flags:

• Sudden spike of 5-star reviews in a short time 
• Reviews are vague: “Great service! Highly recommend!” 
• Reviews from first-time users or out-of-state profiles 
• Language sounds like ads or marketing copy 

Images

Red Flags:

• Only stock photos or overly polished images 
• No pictures of real technicians, trucks, or local job sites 
• Images that don’t match the region or service area

Profile Behavior

Red Flags: 

• No website, or a suspicious-looking or broken link 
• Phone number is not local or changes often 
• Business name stuffed with keywords like: “Best Chimney Sweep Inspection & Repair of Chicago”

Next Step: Report Suspicious Listings

Use the official Google Business Redressal Complaint Form to report suspicious listings and/or misconduct. 

Here is an example submission/template: 

This business appears to violate multiple Google Business Profile policies.

• Location: The listed address (1234 Fake Ave, Chicago, IL) is a UPS store and not a valid physical business location. No signage or chimney vehicles are present in Street View.
• Reviews: In the last two weeks, the business received over 25 glowing 5-star reviews from new accounts, all using generic language like “Amazing service!” and “Highly recommend!” with no job details. Many profiles show no other reviews and are located out of state.
• Images: Photos used on the profile are stock images and appear in multiple unrelated online sources. No images show actual technicians, service vehicles, or job sites.
• Website: The listed website links to a blank template site with no company info, phone number, or service details.

Requested Action: 
Please investigate this profile for potential violations of Google's policies on fake engagement, misrepresentation, and deceptive content. Thank you for helping keep business listings honest and helpful. These tactics unfairly manipulate search rankings and confuse customers, take business away from legitimate, locally owned chimney companies.