The Google Business Spam Calls Won’t Stop—Here’s What I’m Doing About It

How I Finally Took Back Control from the Fake Google Listing Calls (And How You Can Too)

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Hi, I’m Lauren — and like you, I run a small business.


Lately, my phone’s been blowing up with those annoying spam calls: “Press 0 to fix an urgent problem with your Google listing.” The thing is… there is no problem. My listing’s fine. But the calls just keep coming. I’ve blocked dozens of numbers, and they still find a way in.


If you’ve ever paused your day, picked up your phone, and realized it’s another scam call pretending to be Google — I feel your pain. It’s frustrating, time-wasting, and frankly, a little unsettling.

Here's what we're covering:


Part 1: Why These Fake Google Calls Are Still a Problem 
These aren’t just annoying anymore—they’re cutting into time, trust, and real customer calls. 

Part 2: Why You Have to Tackle This Problem Differently
You need tech that works for you, not just against spam. 

Part 3: The 5 Steps I Took to Finally Get My Business Phone Under Control 
From tracking numbers to voicemail filters, here’s exactly how I’m protecting my time—and sanity.

Part 4: What Happens When You Slow the Spam Calls with Smart Systems 
The goal isn’t silence. It’s smarter communication...and how you can get started this week.


So let's get into to it...

Part 1: Why These Fake Google Calls Are Still a Problem

Let’s face it—if you run a local business, your phone is under attack.

Almost daily, I was getting calls like:

“Your Google listing has a critical error. Press 1 to speak to a specialist.”

At first, I thought I was the only one. Then I realized this wasn’t random—it’s a full-blown playbook.
They spoof local numbers. They pretend to be urgent. And they hope you’re too busy to question it.


What’s worse? You can’t just block them and move on cau.se they call back with a different number


These spam calls are:

  • Wasting time when you’re trying to actually run a business

  • Making it harder to trust real leads when the phone rings

  • Interrupting your team and hurting customer service

I even missed a legit client call once because I was so conditioned to ignore unknown numbers. That’s when I decided: enough is enough. These scammers might be relentless—but I’ve found a smarter way to fight back.


And in the next sections, I’ll walk you through exactly what I’m doing—and how you can do it too.

Part 2: Why You Have to Tackle This Problem Differently

Here’s the truth: spam calls are evolving faster than your block list.

You can try to silence unknown numbers, block every repeat offender, or curse into the void...


But none of that gets to the root of the problem:

Spam isn’t just noise—it’s slipping into your real conversations.


And if you’re like me, your phone is one of the most important tools in your business. You can’t afford to ignore calls. But you also can’t afford to waste time with scams. That’s where most business owners get stuck.


They’re relying on old tactics in a new game:

  • Manual call blocking

  • Hoping caller ID catches the spam

  • Letting every unknown call go to voicemail

That’s not a strategy—that’s defense.


The shift I made was simple:
I stopped treating my phone like a landline and started treating it like a smart funnel.


Today, I:

  • Track which numbers are attracting spam

  • Auto-text missed calls to verify they’re real people

  • Filter voicemails using transcriptions

It’s not about avoiding calls—it’s about controlling them.

And once I made that switch, I got my time back.
Now I can actually tell the difference between a new lead... and a fake “Google support” call.

Part 3: The 5 Steps I Took to Finally Get My Business Phone Under Control

I didn’t just wake up one day and stop getting spammed. But I did take five key steps—and now, my phone feels like mine again. Here’s exactly what I did (and how you can do the same):

Step 1: I Set Up a New Call Tracking Number (So I Could Monitor Everything)
Instead of using my main business number on my Google profile, I created a dedicated tracking number.

This lets me get the number I'm using in my communications, flyers, and website back to being dedicated to the real business owners I'm hoping to help. 


My system that I use to text-enable the websites I design for my local business customers is the same one I'm using to see who's calling, tag and block repeated spam, and separate real leads from bots pretending to be Google.



📸 This is a screenshot showing how I set up a call tracking number in our tool Instant Connect.

Step 2: I Built a “Missed Call Textback” Automation
When I miss a call, my system now automatically texts the caller, asking:

“Hey, we missed your call. Can you reply with your name so we can help?”

Spam bots don’t reply. Real people do.

This filter alone helped me identify 80% of spam instantly—without lifting a finger.


📸 This is a Screenshot showing the automation rule in action...and the messages couldn't even get delivered because they weren't valid numbers.


Step 3: I Read the Voicemail Before I Ever Pick Up
Here’s the move: I use voicemail transcription to scan every message that comes through.
If it sounds like the usual “urgent Google listing” junk—I block the number right there.


📸 This is a Screenshot of the block button I use on my light contact management system. If it had been a good lead, I could have tagged it and made different notes but the block button here moves them to my global blacklist.



Step 4: I Reported My Numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry
It’s not a silver bullet, but it helps. I listed my call tracking number and business line with the FTC’s Do Not Call list. Over time, it reduces certain types of telemarketer spam.


Once you enter your number(s) and email, you have to find that email and click the link to finish the verification process.


✅ Link to register: DoNotCall.gov


Step 5: I Changed the Number Listed on my Google Business Profile


Lastly, I changed the number listed publicly on my Google Business Profile. Instead of my main line, I swapped in the new call tracking number I set up in step 1—still routed to the main line, but now relieving my main inbox from all the spam clutter.


That one simple change gave me:

  • A clean break from the worst of the spam

  • A separate "inbox" with more of the spam calls

  • The ability to filter, tag, and block with confidence

And the best part?
If spam ramps up again, I can swap it out in minutes—without touching my real phone number or interrupting the customer experience.



📸 This Screenshot shows my Google Business Profile using the new alternate 844 number. 

FAQs

What should I do if I answer a spam call?

If you answer a spam call, it's best to hang up immediately. Engaging with the caller can lead to further spam calls as they might record your number as active. After hanging up, consider blocking the number and reporting it to your phone service provider. This action helps prevent future disturbances and contributes to a larger effort to combat spam. If you receive persistent calls from the same number, you may also want to file a report with the FTC for further action.

Can I completely eliminate spam calls to my business?

While it may be challenging to completely eliminate spam calls, you can significantly reduce their frequency by implementing effective call-blocking measures and optimizing your Google Business Profile security. Utilizing call-blocking apps, reporting spam, and educating your team on best practices are all strategies that contribute to minimizing interruptions. Moreover, regularly reviewing and updating your profile can deter spam callers from targeting your business.

How can I protect my business information online?

Protecting your business information online begins with ensuring that your Google Business Profile is accurate and regularly updated. Avoid sharing sensitive information publicly, and consider limiting the details available on your profile. Implementing security measures such as two-factor authentication can also add an extra layer of protection. Regularly monitoring your business listings and responding promptly to any suspicious activity can further mitigate risks associated with unwanted spam calls.

Part 4: What Happens When You Slow Spam Calls with Smart Systems

Once I stopped reacting and started systemizing, everything changed. And I didn’t need a complicated call center or a fancy setup. I just used the simple system I already set up for local business owners when I text-enable their website and missed calls.


If you're already using a system, try setting up a second call tracking number and some text-back automations to help you identify calls to block faster. And then change it out on Google.


If you want someone to handle all the tech setup and Google tweaks for you—without changing your real number—that's something I'd be happy to help you get setup in 7 days or less.


Or you can follow the steps above and DIY your own version this weekend.

Either way, you win.

About the Author
Hi, I’m Lauren — a "joyful growth seeker" sharing simple systems to help business owners grow with less overwhelm. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or need any help with the technology required to get this knocked out.