Comments on: Microsoft’s listing in Google Maps Hijacked (oops by me)

By: NZ Florist Facing 7 Years for Hijacking Local Listings of Competitors in GMaps | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:03:25 +0000

[...] was widespread hijacking of florists by an affiliate spammer. Readers of this blog will remember my hijacking of the Microsoft’s listing in October. In that regard, I find Google’s comments, if accurate, somewhat [...]

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:11:25 +0000

Google did patch this vector although a number of other, more technical ones cropped up and Google is busy patching those as well.

By: Greg W

Greg W — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:10:21 +0000

What is the latest news on this? Is there an update anywhere? Has Google done anything to rectify the problem of vulnerability for having your unclaimed location hijacked? I am sure that others would like to know.
I am just curious at what level the scammers are using this information, it seems that it could be of use to them in giving out false addresses that look valid in searches.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:32:08 +0000

I have had multiple listings hijacked, and they were listings that I created and claimed. I have some listings that are “half-jacked”, my url shows up, but a competitors phone number. My favorite part is clicking on the history to see all the fun edits they have done to me.

By: Lyndon

Lyndon — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:55:48 +0000

That is very interesting! Thanks for sharing your experience in claiming maps

By: Pittsburgh Movers

Pittsburgh Movers — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:57:16 +0000

Interesting article. I am curious about the answer to PanzerMike’s question. Can you edit the listing of another business to reflect the details of your own business and then claim it in the LBC? They would use the current phone number/email in the listing to confirm that you’re the owner and at that point the current information would be your own. Would this be an effective way to hijack a listing? If so, then that significantly increases the necessity for every business owner to claim his listings.

By: Joel McLaughlin

Joel McLaughlin — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:12:46 +0000

Wow, it’s incredible the power of local search. A lot of my customers have no organic rankings and just local search results and generate large amounts of visits.

By: Local Search - All 2009 Nominees » SEMMYS.org

Local Search - All 2009 Nominees » SEMMYS.org — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:14:45 +0000

[...] Microsoft’s listing in Google Maps Hijacked (oops by me) Mike Blumenthal | 10/30/08 [...]

By: Mihmorandum | Local Search Citations in Continental Europe | Local SEO

Mihmorandum | Local Search Citations in Continental Europe | Local SEO — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:06:46 +0000

[...] This giant dominates more than regular search. Local Search, although still small, is also dominated by Google and a few local directories. Yahoo Local only exists in the UK and Germany. And MSN Local? Sorry…? You said what? Even the more reason to get your business listed in the Local Business Center right away before it is hijacked. [...]

By: Loci 2008 - Will Scott’s Best of 2008 in Local » Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:19:31 +0000

[...] Microsoft’s listing in Google Maps Hijacked (oops by me) – Mike Blumenthal, Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search [...]