Online Reviews Can Make or Break a Business
These days, customers check reviews before they book anything. A meal. A haircut. A plumber. All it takes is one bad review at the top of your profile to scare people off. That’s why fake reviews are more than just annoying. They can cost you real money.
Even worse, scammers know this. Some will post fake 1-star reviews, then demand payment to remove them. Others will threaten to post bad feedback unless you give a discount or refund. It’s shady, it’s stressful, and it’s more common than you think.
If you run a business, you need to stay sharp. Let’s break down what to watch for, how to react, and where to get help.
Know the Signs of Fake Review Extortion
It Starts With a Bad Review That Feels Off
Most fake reviews have a few things in common. The complaint is vague. It doesn’t mention real details like names, products, or dates. The reviewer often has no photo or review history. Sometimes they leave the same review on other businesses.
A florist we spoke to noticed a 1-star review that said, “Terrible customer service. Will never order again.” But they had no record of that customer, and the user had posted the exact same message on five other flower shops.
That’s a red flag.
Then Comes the Message
After the review goes live, scammers sometimes contact the business. They might use email or WhatsApp. The message usually says something like, “We can take it down if you pay,” or “Send a refund or we will post more.”
That’s extortion. And it’s illegal.
Don’t Panic, Don’t Pay
Keep a Cool Head
It’s tempting to reply with anger or offer a refund just to make the problem go away. Don’t do it. Responding emotionally can make things worse. And paying the scammer just shows them you’re an easy target.
Instead, take a screenshot of everything. Save the review, the profile, and any messages you’ve received. That documentation matters.
Report It Right Away
Go to Google and flag the review. Choose the option that says it’s fake or conflicts of interest. You can also report the reviewer’s profile.
If the scammer contacted you through email or text, report that too. You may also want to tell Action Fraud or your local police, especially if they’ve asked for money.
Google doesn’t always remove reviews quickly, but it helps to show a pattern of abuse. If you need help, there are guides on how to remove a google review through proper channels.
How to Protect Your Reputation Long Term
Claim Your Business Profiles
Make sure you’ve claimed your business on Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and any site where customers leave feedback. This gives you control to reply, report, and manage reviews as they happen.
One cafe owner told us, “I didn’t even know we had a Yelp profile until someone posted a fake complaint. Now I check it weekly.”
Stay in control. Set up alerts so you know when reviews come in.
Build a Wall of Good Reviews
The best defence against fake reviews is a steady stream of real ones. Ask happy customers to leave a review after every sale or service. You can do this in person, through a QR code, or in a follow-up email.
When you’ve got 50 good reviews, one bad one doesn’t sting as much.
A local pet groomer said, “We started asking for reviews at checkout, and it made a big difference. Our customers were happy to help, and we got ahead of a fake one before it could do damage.”
Respond Like a Pro
Even if a review is fake, respond calmly. Say something like:
“Hi, we take all feedback seriously. We don’t have a record of this experience, and would like to learn more. Please contact us directly so we can help.”
That way, future customers who read the review see that you’re responsive and professional.
Don’t accuse anyone publicly. Just stick to facts.
What If the Review Won’t Come Down?
Try Other Paths
If reporting through the platform doesn’t work, you may want to get help from a reputation management service or legal advisor. Just make sure they’re legitimate. Some “fixers” are scammers too.
If the review includes lies or personal attacks, there may be legal grounds to request removal. Some businesses file small claims or take action under defamation laws. It’s rare, but it’s an option.
Push It Down
Another tactic is to bury the fake review with newer ones. Encourage customers to post fresh reviews. Post regular updates to your business profile. The more activity you show, the more likely the bad review drops out of view.
A roofing contractor said, “We couldn’t get one star taken down, but we added ten five-stars in a week. Now it’s barely visible.”
Watch for New Scams
The Tactics Keep Evolving
Some scams involve fake SEO companies. They’ll message you saying they found negative reviews and offer to “fix” them—for a fee. But they’re often the same people who posted the reviews in the first place.
Others will use fake accounts to post both good and bad reviews, making it hard to tell what’s real.
Stay sceptical. If something sounds too good—or too shady—it probably is.
Final Thought
Fake reviews aren’t just annoying. They’re a threat to your business. But with the right approach, you can spot them early, shut down scams, and protect your reputation.
Keep your profiles updated. Stay engaged with your customers. And don’t let online bullies push you around.
Real service still wins in the end.
