You know you're doing something right when even scammers are watching your business. Unfortunately, they don’t leave five-star reviews — they leave a mess. But in this case? The joke might just be on them.
In today’s story, we're digging into a sneaky extortion scam that targeted a small business owner, aiming to ruin his online reputation — and tried to charge him for the cleanup. Let’s break it down.
Scammers are now weaponizing fake reviews to damage small business reputations — then demanding money to remove them. One business owner turned the tables.
How It Works:
This type of scam is a digital hit job, and it goes something like this:
- The Setup: A scammer floods a business’s Google listing with fake 1-star reviews.
- The Shakedown: Shortly after, the scammer reaches out (often via text or email) and admits to being hired — sometimes by a “competitor” — to leave the reviews.
- The Ask: They demand payment through apps like Cash App or Zelle in exchange for deleting the reviews.
- The Reality: Whether you pay or not, they’ll likely continue — because the goal is ongoing extortion.
It’s reputation sabotage with a side of digital blackmail.
Who’s Targeted:
Small, local businesses — especially those with a strong presence on review platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Industries like auto services, salons, restaurants, or any business where online ratings drive customer decisions are especially at risk.
Real-Life Example:
Isaac Johnson, owner of Big Boyz Detailing in Beloit, experienced this firsthand.
“Ten minutes later there’s another one, 20 minutes later there’s another one,” Johnson recalled, describing the flood of fake 1-star reviews that hit his Google listing.
Shortly after, he received a text from a random email:
"One of your competitors hired me to leave 30 negative reviews."
The scammer later called him directly, asking how he would be paid to remove the reviews — pushing for payment apps like Zelle or Cash App.
“I could tell he was just trying to get money,” said Johnson. Fortunately, he didn’t pay — and Google stepped in to remove the fake reviews. Even better? The local community rallied behind him, and business picked up.
Why You Should Care:
Online reviews are the lifeblood of many small businesses. A flood of fake negative feedback can:
- Drive away potential customers
- Hurt your search ranking
- Damage your reputation overnight
- Lead to stress, confusion, and lost income
And paying these scammers doesn’t make it stop — it only confirms that you're a target willing to pay.
Actionable Steps:
Protect your business or help someone you know with these smart moves:
- Flag and Report Reviews: Use Google’s tools to report fake or suspicious reviews quickly.
- Don’t Engage or Pay: Responding or sending money just encourages further extortion.
- Document Everything: Screenshot messages, note phone numbers, and keep a timeline — this helps when reporting to platforms or law enforcement.
- Let Customers Know: If you're hit with fake reviews, post a short message online explaining the situation. Most customers will understand — and rally around you.
- Reach Out to Platforms: Contact Google, Yelp, or other platforms directly — they have procedures for reviewing and removing fraudulent activity.
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Anyone can leave a review on Google — even if they’ve never visited your business. That’s why flagging and fast reporting is key.
Pro Tip: Build up a strong base of real reviews from happy customers. The stronger your legit reputation, the harder it is for scammers to make a dent.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords & Definitions
- Fake Review Scam: A tactic where scammers post false negative reviews and demand payment to remove them.
- Reputation Extortion: The act of threatening someone’s online image in exchange for money.
- Zelle/Cash App: Mobile payment platforms often used in scams due to their speed and lack of built-in buyer protections.
- Google Reviews: A public feedback system that directly impacts a business’s visibility and trustworthiness online.
- Review Bombing: A coordinated or fraudulent attack where a flood of negative reviews is posted to harm a business.
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