With Negative Review Extortion Scams on the Rise, Google Urges Businesses to Use Its New Reporting Form
Google has rolled out a dedicated reporting form to help businesses fight back against the growing problem of negative review extortion scams. The form, which launched last month, allows verified Google Business Profile owners to report fake reviews that demand payment or favors in exchange for their removal.
This update provides a much-needed safeguard for local businesses, many of which have seen a rise in fraudulent 1-star and 2-star reviews used as leverage by scammers.
What Are Review Extortion Scams?
Review extortion scams typically begin when a scammer contacts a business, often via WhatsApp or email, claiming they’ve posted a negative review. The scammer then threatens to keep the review live or post additional fake reviews unless the business pays a fee or offers free products or services.
According to Google’s official help documentation,
“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.”
This kind of manipulation can damage a business’s credibility and local ranking performance, making swift action essential.
How to Report Negative Review Extortion
The new Google Business Profile extortion report form can be accessed directly from your Google account. To file a report, you’ll need:
- Your business and contact information
- The affected Google Business Profile details
- Evidence and description of the extortion attempt
- Copies of messages, screenshots, or review links
The form is available within the official Google support document.
Google’s Tips for Handling Review Scams
Google also shared four key recommendations for businesses targeted by extortion scams:
- Do not engage or pay scammers. This often encourages more extortion attempts.
- Avoid offering money or services to resolve the issue privately.
- Gather all evidence immediately: messages, emails, or screenshots.
- Report every communication through the official form.
These steps help ensure that Google can act quickly and verify the authenticity of your report.
Does the Form Actually Work?
While some local SEOs were skeptical at first, early reports suggest that Google is responding effectively. One SEO professional who used the form reported that the fraudulent review was removed within a few days, showing that the system may be working as intended.
Why It Matters
Online reviews play a major role in shaping local search visibility and customer trust. A series of fake 1-star reviews can easily discourage potential customers, even if those reviews are fabricated.
Google’s new form gives businesses a practical tool to defend their online reputation, reduce the damage from fake reviews, and help ensure that search results reflect legitimate customer experiences.
Local business owners are encouraged to monitor their reviews regularly, flag suspicious activity, and use Google’s reporting tools to maintain transparency and trust in their online presence.
