Fake Google Business Profiles are a big problem in the HVAC industry. They sneakily con local customers into believing they are a trusted HVAC business with tons of five-star ratings. The problem is, you end up losing out on potential jobs. In this blog, you’ll learn how to remove a fake HVAC Google listing that could be stealing your calls and customers.
What Is a Fake HVAC Google Business Listing?
Let’s say your local competitor is a business named “QWX Heating & Air.” But they closed down two years ago. Now, when you check their Google Business Profile, it’s still under the name “QWX Heating & Air,” but a new company called “NXZ HVAC” has taken control of the listing. Their photos and services don’t match the old company. “NXZ HVAC” is just using all the glowing 5-star reviews that “QWX Heating & Air” had.
But why should you care?
Because every time a fake listing shows up above yours, it quietly steals calls, jobs, and money that should be coming to you. Pretty unfair, right?
I will tell you how to:
- Spot a fake HVAC listing
- Gather proof Google will actually care about
- Report the listing the right way
- Strengthen your own Google Business Profile to outrank fake listings
Step 1: Identify the Fake HVAC Google Listing and Collect Proof
Before you report the listing, you have to make sure you have proof.
Here’s what to look for and gather:
- Street View Photos or In-Person Photos
Look up the HVAC business on Google Maps. If the name on the listing says “QWX Heating & Air” but the sign on the building says “NXZ HVAC” that’s a red flag. Take screenshots from Street View. If possible, visit the business in person and take photos. - Old Reviews
Here is an easy way to spot fake Google reviews. Read the reviews on the listing. Do they mention staff or services that don’t match what the current business offers? Screenshot these too. - Business Registration or Licensing Info
Look up public business records. If “QWX Heating & Air” is listed as closed, and “NXZ HVAC” is the one operating, that helps your case. - Mismatch Between Business Name and Online Presence
Check the business’s website and social media. If they call themselves “NXZ HVAC” online but the Google listing still says “QWX Heating & Air,” that’s a problem. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Tip: Save all your screenshots with clear file names like “storefront_sign.jpg” or “review_old_business.png.” Keep everything organized. You’ll need it for your complaint.
Too busy to deal with this yourself?
OptimizeAim handles fake Google listings for HVAC companies from start to finish.
We investigate, report, and help protect your real business from shady competitors on Google.
Step 2: How to Report and Remove a Fake HVAC Google Listing
Now that you’ve gathered the proof, I will tell you how to report a fake Google Business Profile.
Option 1 – Suggest an Edit on Google Maps
This is the easiest way to flag the problem.
- Search the business on Google Maps
- Click “Suggest an Edit”
- Choose “Close or remove,” then pick “Offensive, harmful, or misleading”
- Briefly explain why the listing is wrong
- Submit your edit
This goes to Google’s automated system. Sometimes it works, but not always.
Option 2 – Submit a Redressal Complaint to Google
This is the official way to report the listing with real evidence.
Use this link:
https://support.google.com/business/contact/business_redressal_form
When you fill out the form:
- Add your contact details
- Paste the URL of the fake business listing
- Select the issue (like “Business doesn’t exist” or “False representation”)
- Write a short, clear explanation
Example:
“This listing shows ‘QWX Heating & Air’ at 123 Main Street. But this business closed in 2022. A different company, ‘NXZ HVAC,’ is now using the listing and benefiting from old reviews. This violates Google’s policy on business name accuracy.”
- Attach your screenshots and proof
- Submit the form
Optional – Contact Google Business Profile Support
If nothing happens after you submit the form, you can visit Google Business Profile Help and click “Contact us” for chat or email support.
Step 3: Strengthen Your Own HVAC Business Profile
Even if the fake listing is removed, you want to be stronger than ever in local searches.
Because the stronger your real profile is, the more calls, jobs, and money flow directly to you instead of disappearing into your competitor’s pocket.
Here’s how to do that:
- Fully Complete Your Google Business Profile
Make sure your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, and categories are 100% accurate. - Ask for Reviews Often
After every HVAC job, ask for a review. More reviews = better rankings and more trust. - Post Weekly Updates
Use the “Posts” feature to share photos, offers, or tips. Google rewards active profiles by showing them to more people. - Upload Real Job Photos Frequently
Share pictures of your techs in action, your trucks, and before-and-after photos. Show that your business is active and real. - List Your Business on Local Directories
Make sure your info matches exactly across sites like Yelp, BBB, Angi, and HomeAdvisor. This tells Google you’re legitimate.
Conclusion
If a fake listing is hurting your business, here’s what to do:
- Spot the fake or misleading listing
- Gather clear proof
- Report it using “Suggest an Edit” and the official Redressal Complaint Form
- Strengthen your own Google Business Profile
- Follow up with Google if needed
Fake listings hurt many HVAC businesses. This is a silent problem that steals your leads without you even knowing. Don’t let shady competitors take the calls, jobs, and income that should be yours.
Ready to protect your business and get more calls? Contact us today to get started.