Is 888-278-6170 a Scam Number? Here’s What We Found

If you’ve received a voicemail from 888-278-6170 claiming an “urgent issue” with your Google Business listing, you’re not alone. This type of call is part of a business listing scam—a tactic used by scammers to pressure business owners into handing over money or personal details. Here’s a breakdown of why calls like these are highly suspicious and how this scam operates.

This information is based on reports from individuals who may have experienced or encountered potential scams. Scammers often use or imitate legitimate phone numbers from businesses and government agencies to deceive people. Always verify the legitimacy of any communication before taking action.This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide definitive conclusions about the legitimacy of any entity or individual.

How This Scam Works

1. False Sense of Urgency – The caller claims there’s an “urgent issue” with your Google Business listing and implies it must be addressed immediately. This urgency is designed to make you act before you have a chance to question the legitimacy of the call.

2. Impersonation of Authority – The caller, often introduced as “Justin” from the “Business Help Center,” creates the illusion of authority, even hinting at an affiliation with Google. This vague company name is meant to sound official, but legitimate Google-related calls would always identify themselves clearly as being from Google, not an ambiguous “help center.”

3. Spoofed Caller IDs – Reports show that the number appearing on caller ID varies widely, coming from local numbers across states like New Jersey, Colorado, and California. This is a classic number spoofing tactic, where scammers mask their true identity to make it appear as though the call is local. However, the callback number remains the same—888-278-6170.

4. Pre-Recorded Messages – This call typically uses an automated message with a script designed to alarm you. Scammers often blast out thousands of these pre-recorded messages, hoping to prompt a fraction of recipients to call back.

5. Callback Number for Centralized Scamming – The callback number, 888-278-6170, connects you to the same operation regardless of which spoofed number they use to call you. Once you call, the scammers attempt to:

   • Charge for “Verification” or “Optimization” Services: They may claim you need to pay to keep your Google listing updated or “verified,” which is false. Google does not charge for basic listings.
   • Gather Personal Information: Under the guise of “verifying” your identity, scammers might request details that could be used in other scams.
   • Offer an Expensive, Unnecessary Service Package: Often, they’ll try to sell a bogus or overpriced service package to “optimize” your listing, with promises that are usually empty.
6. Voicemail Bombing to Increase Responses – Scammers often use ringless voicemail drops—meaning they can leave a message without your phone ringing. This increases the chances that you’ll check your voicemail and might feel compelled to respond.

Red Flags of a Business Listing Scam

Here are some common warning signs that this call is likely a scam:

• Vague Identification: Calls from entities like “Business Help Center” or just a name like “Justin” are red flags. Legitimate calls, especially concerning business listings, would have clear company information.
• Urgent or High-Pressure Language: Scammers often push urgency to bypass rational thought, making you feel as if you need to respond immediately.
• Requests for Payment: Google doesn’t charge to verify, list, or update your basic business listing. If someone’s asking for money, it’s almost certainly a scam.
• Inconsistent Caller IDs: Receiving the same message from multiple numbers across different states is a clear sign of a spoofed, mass robocall campaign.

What You Should Do

If you get one of these calls, don’t call back or engage. Instead:

• Block the Number: Use your phone’s built-in blocking feature or a call-blocking app to prevent future calls from this scammer.
• Report the Call: Report the number to the FTC or other consumer protection agencies. This helps prevent similar scams from spreading.
• Verify Directly with Google: If you’re genuinely concerned about your business listing, reach out to Google through their official support channels—never rely on unsolicited callers for information.

Final Verdict

This number, 888-278-6170, has all the hallmarks of a business listing scam: urgency, vague identification, and multiple spoofed caller IDs. Scammers prey on the desire to protect your business’s reputation, and their tactics are increasingly sophisticated. By recognizing the warning signs and staying cautious, you can keep yourself and your business safe from these predatory schemes.

Remember, a legitimate business call won’t pressure you or ask for money under the threat of an “urgent issue.” Stay skeptical, stay safe!