They say the internet never forgets, but what if it's remembering all the wrong things about your business? In the digital age, your online reputation is everything, and scammers know it. Let’s talk about a scheme that’s been targeting businesses and their Google Business Profiles (GBPs), and how you can protect yourself from falling victim.
A new wave of fraudsters is capitalizing on business owners’ fears, offering fake “guaranteed” review removal services or outright extorting money in exchange for deleting negative reviews. The result? Business owners losing money while their reputations remain at risk.
How It Works:
- The Extortionists – You receive a negative Google review from an unknown individual. Soon after, you get an email or message offering to remove the bad review—for a price. Panicked, some business owners fall for this and pay, but there’s no guarantee the review will actually disappear.
- Fake Review Removal Services – Desperate to protect their reputation, businesses may search for ways to remove bad reviews. They’ll find paid ads and services claiming to have a “special relationship” with Google that allows them to remove bad reviews for a fee. Spoiler alert: No such relationship exists, and businesses often end up paying for nothing.
Who’s Targeted:
Any business with an online presence is vulnerable. However, those in highly competitive industries (hospitality, healthcare, retail, etc.) are prime targets. Small businesses with limited knowledge of Google’s policies are especially at risk.
Why You Should Care:
A single negative review can influence potential customers and impact your bottom line. But engaging with scammers doesn’t just cost money—it could also put your business at risk of violating Google’s policies, leading to account restrictions or penalties.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never Pay for Review Removal – Google does not charge for review removal, nor does it partner with third-party companies to do so.
- Flag Suspicious Reviews – Use Google’s reporting tools to request removal of fraudulent or policy-violating reviews.
- Educate Your Team – Train employees to recognize these scams and report suspicious reviews immediately.
- Document Everything – Take screenshots of fraudulent reviews and any related communications to report to Google and legal authorities if necessary.
- Strengthen Your Reputation Organically – Encourage happy customers to leave honest reviews. A strong positive review profile can help drown out occasional negative feedback.
Quick Tips:
- Did you know? Google allows businesses to respond to all reviews—good or bad. A professional, well-crafted response can often mitigate damage from a real negative review.
- Pro Tip: Avoid services that claim to have a "guaranteed" way to remove reviews. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay safe, stay informed!
Keyword Definitions
- Google Business Profile (GBP): A free business listing service by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps.
- Review Spam: Fake reviews, either positive or negative, posted to manipulate a business’s online reputation.
- Extortion Scam: A fraudulent scheme where someone demands money or services by threatening harm, such as leaving bad reviews.
- Review Removal Service Scam: A fraudulent business claiming to remove negative reviews for a fee, often falsely implying a connection with Google.
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