How to Remove Fake Google Reviews (Even If Google Ignores You)

Fake Google reviews can seriously hurt your business’s reputation - especially when they appear unexpectedly and don’t reflect real customer experiences.

If you’re a small business owner dealing with suspicious 1-star ratings, review spam, or even extortion attempts, this guide walks you through what you can do to protect your reputation - even if Google doesn't take immediate action.

Table of Contents

1. Why Fake Reviews Are a Growing Problem

2. How to Spot a Fake Google Review

3. Steps to Report a Fake Google Review

4. What to Do If Google Doesn’t Remove It

5. Tips to Minimize Damage from Fake Reviews

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Bonus Tip: Manage Your Google Profile and Socials with One App

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So what's a Google Business Profile? It's a free tool that helps your business appear in local searches and on Google Maps - making it easier for customers to find and contact you. It also allows customers to leave reviews, which can boost or harm your reputation depending on their authenticity.

Don’t have one yet? Don't worry - set up your Google Business Profile for free here.

Why Fake Reviews Are a Growing Problem

Basically anyone can leave a Google review - whether they’ve used your service or not. While this openness helps collect authentic feedback, it also creates an easy target for abuse. From spam bots to extortion attempts (pay me or I’ll post 1-star reviews), small businesses are especially vulnerable.

Basically anyone can leave a Google review

And unfortunately, Google's review system relies heavily on automated moderation, making it difficult to get obvious fakes removed quickly - or sometimes at all.

How to Spot a Fake Google Review

Not all negative reviews are fake - and if you receive genuine critical feedback, it's important to acknowledge it and respond professionally. Thoughtful replies to real concerns show that you care about your customers and are willing to improve.

However, if a review seems suspicious or malicious, below is some common red flags to watch for.

• The reviewer has no profile photo or full name

• They’ve only left 1-star reviews on other businesses

• The review is vague, lacks detail, or mentions services you don’t offer

• The timing coincides with a spam message, scam, or dispute

• You have no record of interacting with the person at all

Steps to Report a Fake Google Review

If you’ve found a fake review, here’s how to report it:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile

2. Find the review you want to report

3. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) next to the review

4. Select “Report review”

5. Choose the appropriate reason (e.g., spam, conflict of interest, not based on experience)

You can also submit a case directly on Google Business Profile support

What to Do If Google Doesn’t Remove It

If Google doesn’t take action, you still have options:

• Respond Publicly: Reply calmly and professionally. Let potential customers know the review is suspicious and you take all feedback seriously. Example: "We can’t find a record of your visit. If this was posted in error, feel free to contact us directly. We’re happy to help".

• Gather More Positive Reviews: Ask loyal customers to leave authentic feedback. Fresh 5-star reviews will push the fake ones down.

• Use Google Updates to Share Your Story: Keep your Business Profile active with posts, photos, and updates - it builds trust and shows you're engaged.

• Link Your Other Socials to Google: This helps establish credibility, shows you're a real business, and gives potential customers more context. Regular activity on connected channels builds trust - even when a fake review is present.

• Publish 5-Star Reviews: Highlight real, positive feedback on Google Updates and your Socials. This not only reinforces trust, but also helps drown out the impact of negative or fake reviews.

• Document Everything: If you’re being extorted or harassed, take screenshots and report it to Google and law enforcement if needed.

Tips to Minimize Damage from Fake Reviews

• Don’t argue with the reviewer - it can backfire.

• Flag multiple reviews from the same source.

• Activate messaging on your Google Profile to show you're responsive.

• Use consistent posting (offers, updates, photos) to show legitimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sue someone for leaving a fake review?

A: Possibly - if you can prove defamation or malicious intent. But we do not recommend this if you're a small business owner - route is usually expensive and slow. Focus first on reporting and managing visibility.

Q: How long does it take for Google to review a flagged review?

A: It varies. Some are reviewed in days, others take weeks - and many aren’t removed unless they clearly violate policy.

Q: Can competitors leave fake reviews?

A: Yes, and it’s unfortunately common. That’s why documenting patterns and responses is sometimes key.

Manage Your Google Profile and Socials with One App

Dealing with fake reviews is frustrating - but managing your online presence doesn’t have to be. Posting regularly is one of the best ways to build trust and credibility with your real audience - and that’s easy with a social media management app like Hookle.

With Hookle, you can easily share updates to your Google Business Profile and all your social channels from one simple, powerful app. Whether you’re recovering from a review attack or just staying consistently visible online, Hookle helps small businesses stay active, trustworthy, and in control.

Already using Hookle? Start posting to Google today. New to Hookle? Download the app for free - post smart and protect your business, all in one place.