Fake Phone Numbers on Google Maps: What to Watch For

Scammers are using AI‑generated pictures to add fake phone numbers to real Google Maps listings. The images look official. Many people click the call button without thinking. The trust people place in the platform makes the trick especially effective.

A LinkedIn post from an SEO specialist first flagged the tactic. A May 2026 thread on the Google Maps Help forum shows the same pattern across many accounts. One report counted more than 150 suspicious photos attached to U.S. businesses. Multiple users reported seeing the same fake numbers on different listings, suggesting a coordinated effort.

Google has since removed the contributor who uploaded the fake photos. The problem may not be fully solved. New accounts can pop up and repeat the scheme. It is wise to stay skeptical of any number that appears only in a user‑uploaded image.

If you need to contact a company, check the phone number on the business’s own website. Also look at the official Google Business Profile contact section. The FBI publishes guidance on AI‑driven phone scams that can help you spot red flags. Always verify before you dial, and keep an eye out for unusual requests for personal information.