RED FLAG SCAM CHECKLIST

Most common email/call/text scams: Banks, Google, Shopify, CRA/IRS, Microsoft, Internet/Phone Companies

🚩Sense of urgency (scare tactics)

🚩Scammy looking sent from emails-not from the company in question

🚩Links or buttons in the email/text

🚩Has attachments

🚩Bad English

🚩Crypto currencies
🚩Indian accent on phone

🚩Asking for login info on accounts, addresses/personal info or credit card/banking info

🚩PO# request emails with attachments 

WHAT TO DO?

Don't fall for the urgency/scare tactic, RELAX

Do not reply or call numbers in the email or text message

Delete the email or text and BLOCK

Do not click any links or open attachments
Hang up 

WANT TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER?

Look up the actual company's phone number and call them directly to verify an issue (not phone numbers in the email or text message)

When in doubt, do nothing, DELETE IT! HANG UP! Listen to your GUT FEELINGS!

If you already gave them information like passwords etc:

1. Change your password immediately.
2. Enable 2-step verification.
3. Check:
   • recovery email
   • recovery phone number
   • logged-in devices
   • third-party apps

If they had you install remote-access software:

1. Disconnect your computer from the internet.
2. Remove the software.
3. Change important passwords from another device.
4. Run a security scan.
5. Install my favorite scam blocker software AVAST
6. Re-format or restore your computer-wipe it clean.
   
7. Seek help from a friend or family member to help you.
8. Geez... Call me, I specialise in this crap!

If you paid them:

Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. File a scam chargeback. Have your funds returned within 24 hours.

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Why small businesses are targeted

Small businesses are attractive targets because scammers know:

• Google visibility matters
• owners are busy
• losing a listing feels urgent
• many owners do not know Google's procedures

Businesses with Shopify stores, restaurants, salons, clinics, contractors, and local service companies are especially targeted.

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A good rule to remember

Google and most other companies will NEVER call you and say:
“Pay us now or your account... etc will be gone.”
If someone calls claiming to be Google Support or any other company, the safest response is:

“Thank you. I will contact the company directly through my account.”

Then hang up.

For a business owner, the biggest protection is making sure you have:

• a verified Profile
• 2-step verification enabled
• recovery information updated
• no unknown users added as managers to your accounts

Matthew's Final Words

The best defense against the Dreaded Google Support (or other company) scam is awareness and caution. Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and confusion to pressure you into making quick decisions. Remember that legitimate company representatives will never ask for your password, security codes, remote computer access, or payment to protect yourself. When in doubt, end the call and contact the company directly through your own account. Taking a few extra moments to verify a request can protect your business, your online reputation, and your valuable digital assets.

If you do fall for a scam....
IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! YOU HAVE BEEN VIOLATED!
Do what you can to recover emotionally & financially. It's not the end of the world, These scams happen to even the smartest of us. If you need emotional support, talk to a therapist who specializes in financial traumatic recovery.

What I do with a Google Support call is.... Ask them this "Do you have googley eyes mudder chode?"
Don't ask me what this means to a Hindi scam caller, It's offensive, but if they hang up, you will know it's a scam.