Inventing identifiers or sameAs links to make an entity look more established is dishonest and risks penalties when Google cannot verify them. Identifiers must be real and resolvable. Invented LEI/DUNS/ORCID etc. False identifiers can corrupt entity resolution and destroy trust if discovered.
Why does fabricated/unverifiable identifiers in markup matter for AI search?
False identifiers can corrupt entity resolution and destroy trust if discovered.
How do you fix it?
Only use identifiers you genuinely hold.
How do you find it on your site?
- Review identifiers and sameAs in your markup.
- Confirm each resolves and genuinely belongs to the entity.
- Remove anything fabricated or unverifiable.
- Use only real, official identifiers.
Which ranking and citation factors does it touch?
Fabricated identifiers break trust and can trigger penalties when unverifiable. Only genuine identifiers belong in markup.
What is the impact?
Medium; integrity risk. Tactical (our integrity rule).
What is the evidence?
Use only genuine, verifiable identifiers (integrity principle aligned with quality/trust). Google, Search Quality Rater Guidelines (PDF); Google Search Central, Structured data general guidelines
Sources
Frequently asked questions about fabricated/unverifiable identifiers in markup
What does "Fabricated/unverifiable identifiers in markup" mean?
Invented LEI/DUNS/ORCID etc.
How do you fix fabricated/unverifiable identifiers in markup?
Only use identifiers you genuinely hold.