The Phantom Profile Menace: A Case of Stolen Web Identity
Brand
Gearing Locksmiths
Services Used
Online Brand Protection
Deliverables
Removing fraudulent Impersonations
Gearing Locksmiths came to us with a problem. A big one. Someone had stolen their name and hard-won reputation and was using it to scam customers. It’s almost unthinkable. You work hard to build a business from the ground up, and someone can come in and take it away – in a heartbeat.
This local-serving, trusted business had discovered a malicious website and duplicated Google Business Profile set up to deceive customers into thinking they were contacting them. This fake operation was capturing leads, misleading users and scamming vulnerable customers in need of emergency help. Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon – tradespeople’s businesses are especially targeted.
The illegitimate Google Business Profile was a two-pronged attack, simultaneously risking customers financially (and delaying them receiving help) while also harming Gearing Locksmith’s genuine reputation.
Find out how you can protect your brand online
An Urgent Mission in Brand Reputation Management
Relton Digital were tasked with the following:
- Identify the fraudulent digital presence and verify its illegitimacy
- Have the fake website and Google Business Profile flagged and removed
- Restore and protect Gearing Locksmiths online reputation
We immediately sprung into action and assessed the situation – was the presence fraudulent and misleading? Within minutes, we were actively collaborating with Google’s support channels to request the removal of the Business Profile.
Google received our detailed removal requests flagging the presence as fraudulent and violative of Google’s content policies. Our team also identified the associated URL and content that could negatively affect search visibility and brand integrity. Within 24 hours, the fake profile was successfully removed from Google’s search and map listings.
Then, over the following weeks, we monitored the search results, directories and business platforms to ensure that all remnants of the fraudsters had been erased.
Here’s what Gearing Locksmiths had to say:
“Emma and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Relton and the team for saving our bacon this year. We discovered someone had set up a website using our good name and reputation and were passing themselves off as Gearing Locksmiths to scam customers. We immediately called Relton and within minutes they had started work deleting their profile on Google and within 24 hours it had gone.
Two weeks later, all trace of them had been erased. Such an amazing service and Relton Digital potentially saved us from complete ruin, for which we are eternally grateful. We highly recommend the exceptional talents of Relton and his team.”
Matt and Emma Gearing of Gearing Locksmiths
Protecting your online identity is critical – especially as a local service or in high-risk categories like tradespeople. Fast, proactive management can prevent any long-term brand damage. Our approach combines technical know-how with rapid response. If you’re concerned about your digital presence or brand reputation or you think that someone might be trying to impersonate you online, reach out and let us help you.
Did you know that you could get on-going protection and support as part of our Google Business Profile Package?
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