# Google Ads reps are reported using AI-made names and photos. How to check a caller is real

> An advertiser reported a Google Ads strategist with an AI-made name and photo on 2 November 2026. How to check any Google Ads call or email is real.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-03
- **Category**: Google
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-news/google-ads-rep-ai-profile-photos-how-to-check

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On **2 November 2026**, an advertiser reported that a Google Ads strategist emailed him under a name and profile photo that looked AI-made, and Google has not commented. Whoever calls, check them yourself: a real Google email ends in @google.com, and a real rep never asks for your password.

## What we know

- **Reported:** SEO consultant Joe Youngblood posted on X that "Kassy Garcia" emailed him about his Google Ads account. The name had no online trace, and a checking tool flagged the photo as AI-made. [Search Engine Roundtable](https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ads-strategist-ai-fake-names-photos-42426.html) covered it on 2 November.
- Google uses outside firms for many sales calls. Their staff are its "extended workforce".
- **Not confirmed:** Google did not reply to Search Engine Roundtable. Nobody has shown whether the sender worked for Google or a scammer.
- **Confirmed by Google:** its [help page on suspicious calls](https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/2375460) says Google never sends unasked messages asking for your password. Its [partner page](https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/7675633) says to check the identity of anyone acting for Google (both checked 3 Nov 2026).

| Contact | What a real one looks like |
|---|---|
| Google staff email | Ends in @google.com or @ads.google.com |
| Outside firm working for Google | Ends in @xwf.google.com |
| Agency selling Google Ads | Listed as a Google Partner |

## What it means for your ad account

Many advertisers in India and the Gulf get regular calls from "Google strategists". Some are real and some are not. A fake caller who gets access to your account can change bids, budgets or payment details. A wrong change can also get your account flagged, as our [restricted ad account](/glossary/ad-account-restricted) page explains.

## What to do this week

1. **Ask any caller to email you** before you act on anything they say.
2. **Check the "From" and "Return-Path" fields** for @google.com or @xwf.google.com.
3. **Never share your password or a login code** on a call or email.
4. **Open Google Ads yourself** to check any warning a caller mentions.
5. **Report doubtful contacts** with Google's "Report an email or call" form.

## FAQ

### Are all Google Ads strategist calls fake?

No. Google does call advertisers through its own staff and outside firms. Check each caller rather than ignore them all.

### What if someone already changed my account?

Review the change history, undo what you did not approve and change your password. Our [fix a restricted account guide](/guides/how-to-fix-a-restricted-ad-account) covers appeals.

### Can AI tools help me check my account instead?

Yes. Our [best AI tools for Google Ads](/best/best-ai-tools-for-google-ads) page lists tools that read your account for you.

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