With negative review extortion scams on the rise, use Google’s report form

Google Business Profiles has a form where you can report negative review extortion scams, the form launched a month ago. You can find access to the form in this help document and I believe you need to be logged into your Google account with access to the Business Profile you want to report.

Review extortion scams. This negative review extortion scams are on the rise and a huge concern for local SEOs and businesses. A scammer will message you, likely over WhatsApp or email, and tell you that they left a one-star negative review and the only way to remove it is to pay them.

Google wrote in its help document, “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.”

The form. The form can be accessed while logged into your Google account by clicking here. The form asks for your information, the affected Google Business Profile details, more details on the extortion review, and additional evidence.

Do not engage. Google posted four tips when you are confronted with these scams:

• Do not engage with or pay the malicious individuals. This can encourage further attempts and doesn’t guarantee the removal of reviews.
• Do not try to resolve it yourself by offering money or services.
• Gather all evidence immediately. The sooner you collect proof, the better.
• Report all relevant communication you receive in the form.

Give it a try. There are some who are doubtful that this form actually does anything. But one local SEO tried it out over the weekend and within a few days, the review in question was removed. So it is worth giving it a shot.

Why we care. Reviews on your local listing, especially on Google Maps and Google Search, can have a huge impact on your business. Negative reviews will encourage customers to look for other businesses, even if those reviews are fraudulent. So, being on top of your reviews and removing the fake and fraudulent reviews is an important task most businesses should do on an ongoing basis.

This form will help you manage some of those fake reviews.