Spam calls in Google Local Services Ads (LSA) are real, but they are rarely random. Most spam-heavy accounts have identifiable patterns you can manage.
The goal is not eliminating all noise. The goal is reducing spam share while preserving legitimate demand.
Why some markets see more spam calls
Higher spam pressure is common when:
- Service categories have broad or ambiguous intent
- Competitor density is high
- Geographic targeting is too wide
- Response systems treat every call the same
This creates operational overload and slower response for genuine opportunities.
Step 1: classify every call outcome
Start with strict dispositions:
QualifiedUnqualifiedSpamDuplicateOut of Scope
Without this baseline, you cannot measure whether filtering changes are working.
Step 2: improve first-30-second screening
Train front desk or intake teams to quickly confirm:
- Requested service
- Service location
- Urgency and intent
- Contact validity
Fast disqualification of obvious spam protects availability for real leads.
Step 3: rate invalid calls and request credits
Do not just mark spam internally. Rate unqualified calls consistently and request credits where eligible.
Use this full workflow: How to Dispute Google Guaranteed Leads (Step-by-Step Guide).
Step 4: tighten targeting scope
If spam share stays high, narrow:
- Service area coverage
- Service categories offered
- Open hours where no staff can answer
Narrowing often improves qualified share faster than volume-maximizing settings.
Step 5: monitor spam-adjusted economics
Track:
- Spam rate
- Net qualified call rate
- Cost per qualified call
- Credit recovery rate
These tell a clearer story than top-line lead count.
When spam means ranking and quality issues
Some accounts label everything “spam” when the real issue is poor fit. If many calls are real but wrong-service, read Why Google Local Services Leads Are Low Quality (And How to Fix Them).
If lead flow is weak overall, start with Why Your Google Local Services Ads Are Not Getting Leads (And How to Fix It).
How LeadUp helps reduce spam impact
LeadUp helps teams move from reactive complaints to measurable spam control.
- Connect directly to LSA and import clients from your MCC
- Process calls into transcripts and summaries so spam evidence is easy to review
- Rate leads in-platform to standardize spam vs qualified outcomes
- Improve lead-rating quality and recover credits from invalid calls
- Train optimization toward the calls your team can actually monetize
Final takeaway
Spam in LSAs is manageable when you combine fast classification, disciplined lead ratings, and tighter targeting scope. Teams that operationalize this system usually improve both lead quality and cost efficiency.