Report negative review extortion scams on your Business Profile
Spammers have recently used a new method on Google profiles known as negative review extortion. These spammers will bombard a business's profile with negative reviews before contacting the owner and offering to remove the negative ratings for a fee. Google has recently released a support guide and form to assist businesses in dealing with this issue.
The new guide, titled "Report negative review extortion scams on your Business Profile," explains what these scams are, how to report them, and, most crucially, what steps you must take to protect your business.
Understanding the Scam and Why Google Acted
Negative review extortion occurs when hostile individuals or groups threaten to leave negative one-star reviews unless the business owner pays a fee or offers free goods/services. This technique directly targets a company's internet reputation and has become a frustration for business owners.
What NOT to Do
When you get a threat, your first instinct may be to panic or even attempt to pay the fee to the spammers. Whatever you do, don't panic and absolutely do not respond to the spammer! Following these instructions instead:
- Do NOT Respond: This provides the spammer with an accurate way of communicating with you.
- Do Not Pay: Do not attempt to resolve the matter by providing money, services, or free products. This encourages future attempts even after you pay.
What to DO Immediately
If you are targeted by a review extortion scam, Google outlines two critical, immediate steps you must take to support their investigation:
1. Gather All Evidence Immediately
The sooner you collect proof, the better. This includes:
- Screenshots of the threats.
- Emails or communication transcripts.
- Any identifying information about the scammer.
2. Use the Specific Google Reporting Form
Google has a specific form designed for these complex extortion claims:
- Use the form to report the scam and include all relevant communication you’ve gathered.
What to Expect After Reporting
When you submit your report and proof using the dedicated form, Google's personnel will undertake a thorough investigation into your allegation.
Google is unable to provide results and information due to privacy and security issues, but rest assured that your report is being taken seriously as part of Google's ongoing efforts to counteract unethical spammers and maintain a trustworthy review environment.