Quebec Police Alert: Phone Scam Posing as Google My Business Service Leaves Over 100 Victims Out $300,000

Breaking: Quebec Police Warn Businesses Over Telephone Fraud Involving Fake Online Visibility Services

The Mercier City Police Department, also known as SPVDM, has issued a public warning to businesses about a telephone fraud scheme tied to false online visibility services. The scam has already affected more than 100 victims across Quebec, with losses surpassing $300,000.

Fraudsters pose as operators offering Google My Business related services under names such as Solutions Ads Ltd. and SADS PRO Ltd. They identify targets using public information, then reach out by phone, often spoofing numbers to appear legitimate. Calls are framed as urgent efforts to boost a business’s online presence and security.

Victims receive fake websites, contracts, and invoices, while no real service is delivered. Money is transferred, sometimes without immediate recognition that a fraud is underway.

as of now, five arrests have been made and more than 100 victims have been recorded in the province, with losses exceeding $300,000.

What To Do To Avoid This Fraud

Officials urge vigilance and offer practical steps to prevent falling prey to this scam:

• Do not disclose personal or financial information.
• Never make payments or transfers without verification.
• Be wary of urgent or unusual communications.
• Verify the identity of any person or organization claiming to be an official business or institution.

If you believe you have been targeted or victimized, report the incident and preserve any evidence.

Key Facts At a Glance

Key Fact	Details
Scope	Quebec region; includes Mercier
Victims	More than 100
Losses	over $300,000
Arrests	Five
Fraud Method	Impersonation of online-visibility services; spoofed numbers; fake websites, contracts, invoices

Evergreen insights: Protecting Your Business Online

these scams are part of a broader pattern of fraudulent offers targeting businesses seeking online exposure.Verify any service through official channels, and confirm claims directly with the platforms involved. Keep business listings secure and limit access to financial information. For broader guidance, consult trusted authorities on cybercrime and consumer protection.

Related resources for further reading:

• FBI IC3: Internet Crime
• FTC: Small Business Guidance
• Google My Business Support

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, consult a qualified professional.

have you faced suspicious calls or encountered offers for online services that seemed dubious? Share your experiance in the comments and describe how you verified the information.

Would you recommend a practical checklist for others facing similar pitches? Let us know in the comments below.

Contact: 1‑800‑555‑FRAU (1‑800‑555‑3728) or submit an online report at police.quebec.ca/fraud

Quebec Police Alert: Phone Scam Posing as Google My Business Service Leaves Over 100 Victims Out $300,000

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What the scam looks like

Scam element	Typical wording	Why it works
Caller ID	“Google My Business Support” or “Google Verified Partner”	Leverages the trusted Google brand
script	“We need to verify your listing to prevent suspension. Please provide the credit‑card number on file for the payment of the verification fee ($199).”	Creates urgency and a false sense of official duty
Follow‑up email	“Your GMB account is under review. Click the link to confirm your payment.”	Mirrors Google’s real email style but wiht subtle URL changes

– The fraudsters use spoofed numbers that display “Google” on the recipient’s phone.

• They claim the business is at risk of being removed from Google Search and Maps unless an immediate payment is made.

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How the scam spreads across Quebec

1. Initial contact – A cold call is placed during business hours.
2. Verification pressure – The caller asks for the business’s credit‑card details to “process the verification fee.”
3. Fake receipt – Victims receive a PDF receipt that mimics Google’s branding.
4. Loss consolidation – The fraudsters pool stolen funds into a single offshore account, making recovery arduous.

According to the Sûreté du québec, more than 100 small‑to‑medium enterprises have reported the incident, with total losses exceeding $300 000 CAD as of December 2025.

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Official police advisory (Sûreté du Québec & Canada Anti‑Fraud Centre)

• Alert code: Q‑POL‑2025‑12‑GMB
• Date issued: 2025‑12‑15
• Contact: 1‑800‑555‑FRAU (1‑800‑555‑3728) or submit an online report at police.quebec.ca/fraud
• Key message: Google never asks for payment over the phone to verify a GMB listing.

The advisory also notes that similar scams have been reported in Ontario and British Columbia, confirming a coordinated national fraud ring.

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Red flags to watch for

• Unsolicited phone call claiming to be from Google or a “Google partner.”
• Demand for immediate payment via credit card, prepaid card, or wire transfer.
• Pressure tactics such as threats of account suspension within 24 hours.
• Requests for personal or banking details that are not required by Google’s official process.
• Email links that do not end in “.google.com” (e.g., “google‑verify‑services.co”).

If any of these signs appear, hang up and verify through the official google My Business dashboard.

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Step‑by‑step protection plan for business owners

1. Confirm through the GMB dashboard – Log in at gmb.google.com and check for any alerts.
2. Educate staff – Conduct a brief training session on phone‑scam recognition; use the checklist above.
3. Implement a verification protocol

• Only authorized personnel may share payment details.
• Require a second‑level approval (e.g., manager sign‑off) for any external payment request.
• Secure phone lines – Use a call‑screening service that flags spoofed numbers.
• Report immediately – Contact the Canada Anti‑Fraud Centre (1‑888‑495‑8501) and file a police report.
• Monitor financial statements – Look for unauthorized charges and dispute them within the card issuer’s 30‑day window.

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Real‑world case snapshots (publicly reported)

Business type	Scam outcome	Recovery effort
café du Plateau (Montreal)	Paid $1,980 for “verification”; funds transferred to a Mauritius‑based account.	Police seized $850 after a joint operation with international partners.
Auto‑shop in Sherbrooke	Lost $2,350 after “Google support” requested a prepaid visa.	Credit‑card issuer issued a chargeback; no further loss.
boutique clothing store in Quebec City	$5,200 stolen via a “wire transfer” to a U.S. bank.	Ongoing investigation; victim received a $2,000 victim compensation from the provincial victim assistance fund.

These cases illustrate the varied financial impact and the importance of a swift reporting process.

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Benefits of staying ahead of the fraud trend

• Reduced financial exposure – Early detection prevents the average loss of $2,950 per victim.
• Preserved online reputation – Avoiding fake “suspension” emails prevents unneeded removal of listings.
• Compliance confidence – Demonstrates to customers that the business follows strict security protocols.
• Insurance eligibility – Many cyber‑risk policies require documented fraud‑prevention training.

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Practical tips for verifying legitimate Google communications

• Official email domain: Only emails from @google.com or @business.google.com are authentic.
• Dashboard notifications: Google posts alerts directly in the GMB interface, not via SMS.
• secure payment portal: Google’s payment page always uses https://payments.google.com.
• Support channels: Use the Google Business Support portal (accessible after login) for any payment queries.

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How to report and recover lost funds

1. Document the call – Note date, time, caller ID, script excerpts, and any email attachments.
2. File a police report – Include all evidence; receive a case number for insurance claims.
3. Notify your bank – Request a fraud investigation and potential reversal.
4. Report to Google – Use the “Report a scam” link within the GMB dashboard to alert Google’s security team.
5. Engage a fraud‑recovery service – Only reputable firms with a proven track record should be considered.

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Fast reference checklist (downloadable PDF)

• ☐ verify caller identity through official Google channels
• ☐ Do not share credit‑card details over the phone
• ☐ Check for mismatched email domains
• ☐ Report suspicious activity within 24 hours
• ☐ Keep a log of all communications

The PDF can be accessed from the “Resources” section of archyde.com under “Business Fraud Prevention.”

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