There are new reports via the Google Places Help forums of business owners claiming they are being charged a few for their photos to show up in Google Maps.

One user said:

The thing is, Google did charge a monthly fee of $25 per month for Google Maps Tags but not photos. Plus, Google recently discontinued this program completely.

Almost a year ago, we reported of companies trying to con others into paying them to place photos in their Google Maps listings. So this is nothing new in general. I do not see how Google would label a charge for “photos” in the maps invoice.

Also, the new Google Business Photos program is also completely free.

So I have to assume this is a scam or a misunderstanding by a couple users.

Forum discussion at Google Places Help.