Got a call from "Google" about your business? How to check

Small business owners get a lot of calls and emails that say they are from Google. Some are real. Many are not. Google's own help pages give you a few simple ways to tell.

How do I know if a Google rep is real?

Ask for an email. Google says to check anyone who claims to act for Google by asking them to send you an email. Its Google Ads help page says Google reps always have an email address that ends with @xwf.google.com.

Can a real Google email still be a sales pitch?

Yes. On November 2, 2026, Search Engine Roundtable reported that a Google Ads strategist emailed an advertiser from an @xwf.google.com address. The name did not turn up on LinkedIn. Google's own AI checker said the headshot was made with Google AI.

Google did not answer when asked about it. The rep was still trying to sell more ads. So a real Google address can still mean a sales pitch. Hear them out, then decide.

Do I have to pay to stay on Google?

No. Google says your Business Profile is free. It will not charge you to keep it, verify it, or get it back after a suspension. If a caller asks for money to keep your business on Google, Google says it is not Google.

Will Google ask me for a code?

No. Google says it will never ask you for a one time password or a PIN. If someone calls and says they are from Google, Google says to hang up and not press any buttons. You can report the call to the FTC at donotcall.gov.

Does Google ever call businesses?

Yes. Google may make automated calls to the number on your profile to check your hours or services. Those calls say they are from Google and say why they are calling. Google says they never ask for payment, cards or passwords. You can turn some of them off in your Business Profile settings, under advanced settings.

What I would do

If you are not sure who is calling about your listing, check your Business Profile yourself before you talk to anyone. Look at your hours, your phone number and your photos. If all of that is right, you do not need to buy a fix over the phone.

In October we wrote about Google's AI agent that can answer your customers' texts. Same lesson. Your profile is yours to check.

What to do next

Get Seen is how Gman Creations helps a business set up its website and Google presence. No one can promise you rankings. If you want a person to look at your profile and site, book a discovery call: cal.com/shohgman/discovery.

FAQ

What email address do real Google reps use?

Google says its reps always have an email address that ends with @xwf.google.com.

Does Google charge for a Business Profile?

No. Google says the profile is free to keep, verify and reinstate.

What should I do if a caller asks for a code or a PIN?

Hang up. Google says it never asks for a one time password or PIN.

Is every @xwf.google.com email safe to act on?

It is a real Google address. It can still be a sales pitch, so decide on your own terms.