When Google+ ^[1] first launched, it was notorious for policing and banning brand pages. After famously shutting down William Shatner’s page ^[2], the company has since made it simple for brands to set up pages. But that’s also made it easier for random folks to set up fake pages.

Although Google has a verification process and requires an agreement to usage terms, anyone can essentially set up a brand page, including “unofficial” Google+ pages. In addition to set-up issues, because Google+ brand pages is still in its early stages, the company has yet to develop a coherent method for searching for companies. For now, when it comes to brand pages, Google+ is essentially a “wild west.”

Read more at Mashable ^[3].