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Google Displays Fake Phone Numbers For Some Local Businesses In Toronto So They Can Record Calls (thestar.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the I'm-feeling-lucky dept.

grumpy-cowboy shared this article from the Toronto Star:: A spokesperson for Google has confirmed the service they've launched in Vancouver and Toronto to connect potential customers to trusted service providers funnels customers through ostensibly local phone numbers that are actually owned by Google for the purpose of call monitoring.

Google Local Services is an addition to its search platform that connects potential customers to local service providers who pay for the advertising. It launched in Toronto and Vancouver last December for locksmiths and heating, cooling and ventilation professionals. When someone in Toronto searches for a locksmith, for example, they'll see some service providers with green check marks next to the company name, meaning they've been vetted by Google.

The number next to the listing has a local area code, but that's not the business' real contact info. Instead, it's a dummy Google number that will route you to the business -- after informing you that it will be recording anything you say.

3 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. One way to fight scams by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    Search for Locksmith Google Maps -- https://www.google.com/search?q=locksmith+google+maps -- you'll find lots of news articles about scams.

    This is one way that Google Maps team is attempting to protect its users. It's a constant battle.

    Posting as A/C because I work for Google.

    1. Re:One way to fight scams by Xenx · · Score: 4, Informative

      Except, that isn't whats happening here. The businesses are signing up for the service. As such, Google is providing the service for the business at their request. Whether the business fully understands what they've signed up for is a different issue, and not one I would want to blame on Google or the business as I don't know the details.

  2. Re:This is actually very common.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Like you, i enjoy slashdot articles which clearly say things like "TORONTO" but yet someone posts about US laws, US regulators, etc.

    Canada also has phone number portability, but this was mandated by the CRTC.

    https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/m...