Google has filed a lawsuit against a network responsible for creating over 10,000 fraudulent business listings on Google Maps. While this is an important step toward fighting scams, it has also resulted in collateral damage—legitimate businesses are being mistakenly flagged, suspended, or even removed.

The real problem? Even businesses that provide all the required evidence to prove their legitimacy are being ignored or stuck in limbo. Google is moving so slowly that some businesses are losing customers, revenue, and even shutting downbefore their cases are resolved.

Google’s Enforcement is Hurting Real Businesses

The intention behind Google's crackdown is good—fraudulent listings should be removed. But Google’s automated system is sweeping up real, verified businesses in its enforcement efforts, and the appeals process is broken.

• If your GBP is suspended, your business disappears. Customers searching for you won’t find you on Google Search or Maps.
• Even businesses submitting all the required evidence are being ignored. There is no real human oversight—only automated responses or silence.
• There is no effective escalation process. GBP support is overloaded, community forums offer little help, and Google’s customer service is practically nonexistent.

What Evidence Does Google Require for Reinstatement?

If your Google Business Profile is suspended, you must submit a reinstatement request along with approved evidence that proves your business is real. The most commonly accepted forms of evidence include:

✅ Business License – A government-issued license or permit with your business name and address.
✅ Utility Bill – A recent electricity, water, or internet bill showing your business address.
✅ Lease Agreement or Property Deed – If you rent or own your business location, this proves your physical presence.
✅ Storefront Photos – Clear images of your building’s exterior, interior, and any signage with your business name.
✅ Mail Received at Your Business Address – Official correspondence, such as tax documents or bank statements.
✅ Business Insurance Documents – A policy with your company’s name and address.
✅ Invoices and Receipts – Proof of transactions that demonstrate active business operations.
✅ Website and Social Media Presence – Active websites, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram pages supporting your business’s existence.

What You Can Do If Your GBP Is Suspended

If your Google Business Profile has been taken down, here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Submit a Reinstatement Request Immediately – Even though Google is slow, get your request in ASAP to be in the queue.
2️⃣ Gather and Submit All Approved Evidence – The more proof you provide upfront, the stronger your case.
3️⃣ Check for Minor Violations – Sometimes, small inconsistencies (like using a tracking phone number) can trigger a suspension.
4️⃣ Escalate Your Case in Every Way Possible – Contact GBP support, post in the Google Business Community Forum, and reach out on Twitter/X or LinkedIn.
5️⃣ Find Alternative Ways to Stay Visible – While waiting, invest in SEO, social media, and paid ads to keep customers engaged.

How to Escalate a Google Business Profile Suspension

Since Google’s official support channels are often slow or unresponsive, it’s crucial to try multiple escalation tactics:

• Twitter/X – Tag @GoogleMyBiz and @GoogleSupport with a brief and professional explanation of your issue. Sometimes, public pressure gets a response.
• Google Business Profile Help Community – Posting in Google’s official forums might get the attention of Google Product Experts, who can escalate your case.
• LinkedIn – Some Google employees engage on LinkedIn. Try messaging a relevant Google employee or commenting on official Google business posts.
• Google Support Tickets – Submit support requests through Google’s GBP support form multiple times if necessary.
• BBB & Consumer Complaints – If Google ignores your case for an unreasonable period, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or a state attorney general’s office may trigger action.

Even the Experts Are Struggling

Normally, I’d say, “If you’re stuck, I can get your GBP reinstated quickly.” But right now? Even I’m struggling to get responses from Google. Cases that used to take days now take weeks or even months, leaving businesses in the dark.

This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious business risk. Google’s automated enforcement is failing, and real businesses are paying the price.

Google Needs to Fix This NOW

The longer Google ignores this issue, the more businesses will suffer. They need:

🚨 A Faster Review Process – Businesses shouldn’t have to wait months to prove they exist.
🚨 Better Human Oversight – Automated systems are flagging real businesses with no way to correct mistakes quickly.
🚨 A Clearer Escalation Path – Business owners should have a direct way to get help when their profile is unfairly suspended.

Until Google gets its act together, businesses need to be persistent, proactive, and ready to fight for their visibility.

If your GBP is suspended and you need help, I’ll do everything I can to get it reinstated—but know that even the best experts are facing roadblocks right now. Stay patient, stay visible in other ways, and don’t let Google’s broken system put you out of business.

Background: The Evolution of Google Business Profile and Google Maps Listings

Google Business Profile and Google Maps: A Brief History

1. The Early Days: Google Local & Google Places (2004–2014)

• Google introduced Google Local in 2004, allowing businesses to appear in local search results.
• By 2009, Google Places was launched, offering businesses more control over their listings.
• Business data started integrating into Google Maps, making it a primary tool for discovery.

2. The Rise of Google My Business (2014–2021)

• Google consolidated its local listing services into Google My Business (GMB) in 2014.
• GMB became the primary way for businesses to manage their visibility in Google Search and Maps.
• Features like customer reviews, business posts, and Google’s Local 3-Pack made GMB essential.

3. Rebranding to Google Business Profile (2021–Present)

• Google rebranded GMB to Google Business Profile (GBP) in 2021 to streamline access through Search and Maps.
• Automated enforcement policies ramped up, causing mass suspensions of both fake and real businesses.
• GBP now plays a critical role in Google’s entire ecosystem, including Google Assistant, Waze, and Google Ads.

How Google Maps Data Affects Other Services

Since Google Business Profile is deeply connected to Google Maps, a GBP suspension or removal can impact multiple platforms:

• Waze – Business locations, hours, and directions are pulled from Google Maps. If your GBP is suspended, you won’t show up in Waze navigation results.
• Google Assistant & Voice Search – “Find a restaurant near me” queries depend on GBP data. A suspension means your business is no longer recommended.
• Google Ads & Local Service Ads – Many local businesses link their GBP to ads—a suspension can disable or disapprove their paid campaigns.
• Third-Party Apps – Many apps, including Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Uber, pull Google Maps data, spreading GBP errors across multiple platforms.

Final Thoughts

Google’s enforcement has gone too far, and real businesses are suffering. If your GBP is suspended, act fast, submit all approved evidence, and push for reinstatement.

If you need help, I’ll do everything I can to get your business back online—but know that even experts are hitting walls right now.

Google must fix this. And fast.