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Google Displays Fake Phone Numbers For Some Local Businesses In Toronto So They Can Record Calls (thestar.com)
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.
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.
This is a valuable service for which Google will be well paid. Google knows the customer, Google knows the company, and both trust Google. Google can help make the sale and the company will pay far more than a for regular ad in search results.
This is a simple extension of a long existing referral method. Decades ago I was a building contractor doing well, having fun. Then I had an opportunity to contract with Sears; the biggest and most trusted retailer in the US. Sounded great. They put a phone in my office and whenever it rang, I responded with the Sears name. The phone rang a lot and I got lots of work from those Sears customers.
But Sears took 25% of the gross sale. So I had to charge their customers a lot more than my customers. They trusted Sears and it cost them plenty. Today the Home Depot stores offer similar services delivered by outside companies. Beware of high prices but expect good service.
Google will be well paid for this service also.
...omphaloskepsis often...
...when a company says that they may/are recording I say "So am I!" whether I am or not. The skeevier places will immediately hang up.