Over the past month or so a number of clients have been phoned by people introducing themselves as being 'from Google'.  The salesperson then has proceded to offer some inflated or manipulated search counts for phrases the client is not currently optimised for, and convince them to stop using their current SEO provider and shift to them.

Two clients asked the caller to confirm that they actually worked for Google and why Google would bother to call them directly when there must be thousands of larger companies to target.  In one instance the caller said yes they were from Google and in the other instance the caller backed down and admitted that they worked for a Pay Per Click company that had Google Adwords Professionals.  Anyone can complete the Google Adwords training and become a recognised Google Adwords Professional, but it is dishonest to say that you actually work for Google or represent Google.

It appears that this type of cold calling is becoming more common and with salespeople possibly on 100% commission some are under pressure to bend the truth in order to get a sale.  If you are called by someone stating that they work for Google be sure to immediately question them and clarify if they are employed directly by Google and why they are calling little old you.  If they have been dishonest at the start then it is not a good foundation for a business relationship.