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  • Google wants our info

    So this isn't sucky, it's just weird. We have work phones and some of those work phones have extensions listed in the phone book along with an internal number. What's best is when I argue with a person because they called the wrong store. Anyway, it is possibly they were screaming random depts and the phones transferred them to me, but that is unlikely. Both also had Asian accents, but that doesn't mean much. It's just unusual in this area.

    Here's the first conversation:
    Me: Pets
    Google Guy: Hello, I am calling on behalf of Google. We are featuring (store name) and we would like to confirm or update your store's information. Can we start with the address?
    Me: Let me transfer you to a manager.
    Guy: Thank you

    About three hours later
    Me: Pets.
    (silence)
    Me: Hello?
    (silence)
    Me: Hello?
    (clicking noises)
    Lady: Hello?
    Me: Hello
    Lady: Is this (store)
    Me: Yes and this is the pet department.
    Lady: Can I speak to the owner or a manager?
    Me: Ok.

    I transfer her over and I think he gives the lady the number for corporate. He told her some kind of number. I doubt Google would really call us, but I was thinking it may be one of those people that get checks from Google if they update or submit whatever it was those kits made people do. I really doubt Google is featuring our store or our chain of stores. I quickly transferred them because I really didn't want to get in trouble for telling potential scammers info.

  • #2
    Quoth emt_cookies View Post
    Guy: Hello, I am calling on behalf of Google.
    Try a Google search for "calling on behalf of Google" (including the quotes). Short answer: He isn't.

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    • #3
      Quoth Argus View Post
      Try a Google search for "calling on behalf of Google" (including the quotes). Short answer: He isn't.
      She transferred him to a manager so I believe that the manager handled it rather than her.
      The best professors are mad scientists! -Zoom

      Now queen of USSR-Land...

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      • #4
        I didn't really think they were from Google, but I didn't want to outright call them scammers. I can see them calling small single, privately owned stores but we have several hundred stores spread out over a few states.

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        • #5
          We have a similar phenomenom over here called "Registry Sharks", only that they don't present themselves as Google but rather some "well-renowned" independent online "phonebooks". The trick consists in that they record the calls, so when you confirm the info they interpret it as if you had ordered or renewed a registry in said phonebook, whereafter they bill you for that.

          No store or agency is too big for them - the main "targets" are usually municipal or governmental institutions - and the calls tend to increase during the summer, when there is a bigger chance that the call will be answered by an inexperienced temp who just will do what he/she is told.

          But you did the right thing by transferring it to a manager - unless one's boss is really braindead (and known for being that), most of these "sharks" will hang up once they know that the call has been escalated. Another tactic would be to answer "Well, the one who takes care of this is <Imaginary Made-Up Boss>, he's not in at the moment, could I give him your phone number or mail address?" That will also make them back off. They might try to pressure you into giving the info by claiming that your "subscription" ends TODAY and if they don't get the info IMMEDIATELY your account will be closed, but stand your ground and keep telling them that you're not authorized to give away your info.
          Last edited by NorthernZel; 05-31-2011, 09:13 PM.
          A theory states that if anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for, it will be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

          Another theory states that this has already happened.

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          • #6
            I am very glad that I didn't give them any information then!

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            • #7
              ^^

              In this specific case, it was obvious. Google makes a living of - get this - self searching for info through a gazillion websites and file it so other folks can find that information. How on earth would they have enough employees to verify every single info by calling them with an ordinary landline phone?!
              A theory states that if anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for, it will be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

              Another theory states that this has already happened.

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