Fake Google Maps Profiles: Identifying Keyword & Review Spam

Google Maps allows companies to create business profiles to help customers find them. However, some businesses resort to unethical tactics to manipulate search rankings unfairly:

1. Keyword Stuffing in Business Names: A common black hat tactic is stuffing business names with excessive keywords related to the services offered. For example, naming a business “Air Duct Cleaning & HVAC Repair Services in San Francisco” instead of the actual business name. This spammy practice aims to rank for more search terms but provides a poor user experience.
2. Fake Reviews and Rating Manipulation: Another unethical approach is posting or purchasing fake positive reviews to inflate ratings artificially. This deceptive tactic misleads customers about the business’s reputation and service quality while manipulating the local ranking algorithms.
3. Network Building with Fake Listings: Some businesses create networks of fake business profiles strategically located across a city or region. This tactic, known as network building, aims to boost local search rankings by leveraging the power of multiple interconnected listings.

This listing covers business profiles on Google Maps that engage in deceptive practices to gain an unfair advantage.