Fake negative reviews can devastate your reputation, and scammers are exploiting that. With negative review extortion on the rise, Google has introduced a dedicated reporting form to help businesses take back control.
What is a negative review extortion scam?
Scammers are contacting businesses via email or WhatsApp, claiming they’ve posted a one-star Google review. They then demand payment, goods, or services to remove it.
Google explains:
“These scams may involve a sudden increase in 1-star and 2-star reviews on your Google Business Profile, followed by someone demanding money, goods, or services in exchange for removing the negative reviews.”
These fake reviews can quickly damage your visibility on Google Maps and Search, and deter genuine customers from choosing your business.
How can you report these scams to Google?
Google’s review extortion report form allows business owners to flag fraudulent activity directly.
To use the form, you’ll need to:
- Be logged into the Google account linked to your Business Profile.
- Provide details of the scam, including your profile information, a description of what happened, and any supporting evidence (such as screenshots or emails).
You can access the form through Google’s official help documentation (requires login).
What should you do if you’re targeted?
If you’re contacted by someone threatening your business with fake reviews, follow these essential steps from Google:
- Do not engage or pay the scammer, it won’t guarantee the removal of reviews and may invite further attempts.
- Avoid offering money or services in exchange for deleting a review.
- Collect evidence immediately, including screenshots, emails, or message logs.
- Submit all relevant details through Google’s review extortion report form.
Does Google’s form actually work?
While some business owners doubted its effectiveness, early results are promising. Local SEO professionals have reported that after submitting the form, fake reviews were successfully removed within just a few days.
Why should you take action?
Your Google reviews are one of the most influential factors in local search visibility. Even one fraudulent one-star review can affect customer trust and click-through rates.
Monitoring your reviews regularly and acting quickly when something looks suspicious helps protect your reputation and your rankings.
Google’s new form gives legitimate businesses a direct channel to challenge fake reviews and safeguard their hard-earned credibility.
Protect Your Business Reputation
Online reputation management is no longer optional; it’s essential. By using Google’s review extortion report form and staying alert to potential scams, you can protect your profile, your rankings, and your customers’ trust.
Need help managing your online reputation or local SEO strategy? Get in touch with Outrank today.