Another GMB Scam Has Been Busted by Google

This week, Google took another big step in cracking down on sneaky practices affecting Google Maps and GBPs. The latest scam they fixed? The “pin scam,” where unethical users exploited the “Suggest an Edit” feature to move competitors’ business pins on Google Maps. This would often trigger suspensions when the business owners tried to move the pins back. Thankfully, Google has patched this loophole, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to maintaining fair play in the local SEO space. But let this be a lesson: shady tactics may work temporarily, but Google always catches on, and the consequences can be brutal.

Jun 30, 2025

This week, Google took another big step in cracking down on sneaky practices affecting Google Maps and GBPs. The latest scam they fixed? The “pin scam,” where unethical users exploited the “Suggest an Edit” feature to move competitors’ business pins on Google Maps. This would often trigger suspensions when the business owners tried to move the pins back. Thankfully, Google has patched this loophole, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to maintaining fair play in the local SEO space. But let this be a lesson: shady tactics may work temporarily, but Google always catches on, and the consequences can be brutal.

Why White Hat SEO is So Important for GMB:

  1. Avoid Google’s Harsh Penalties: Google doesn’t just reverse scams; they punish the violators. Fake reviews, manipulation, or other shady tactics can result in warning badges, suspensions, or even permanent bans.
  2. Build Long-Term Trust: Honest strategies like proper profile optimization, consistently publishing content, and collecting genuine reviews not only keep you in Google’s good graces but also build trust with potential customers.
  3. Ensure Consistent Results: Cutting corners might bring short-term wins, but they don’t last. White-hat SEO practices provide stability, helping your profile rank better over time without the risk of being penalized.

So here’s the wrap-up: scams like this might feel like a tempting hack, but they only lead to trouble. Google’s goal is clear—they want local search to be a trustworthy space, and they’re more vigilant than ever about rooting out bad actors. Stick with honest strategies to grow your GMB, and let the scammers deal with the fallout.

Safeguard your profile with our white hat GMB optimization AI, Paige, which can now alert you about suspicious unauthorized changes made to your GMB! Start your 3 day trial today for just $1!

About Author

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman is the Founder and CEO of Merchynt, a local SEO technology company on a mission to make local SEO services not suck—one agency and small business at a time. Since launching Merchynt in 2019, Justin has helped over 20,000 businesses grow through data-driven Google Business Profile optimization and AI-powered local marketing tools like Paige. With more than a decade of experience in digital marketing and business growth, Justin previously held executive roles at Vista Group, where he served as VP of Global Partnerships and President of MovieXchange. He also led strategy and operations at Veezi, helping to scale tech products across international markets. Justin's career has spanned roles in marketing, partnerships, and operations, working with companies from early-stage startups to global enterprises. His deep knowledge of local search, combined with real-world leadership, positions him as a trusted voice in the local SEO and SaaS space. Under his leadership, Merchynt has become a go-to provider for agencies and small businesses seeking to dominate local search rankings through white-label solutions, AI automation, and performance-focused strategy. Justin continues to speak, write, and build tools with one mission in mind: to help 298 million businesses get found online by their perfect customer.