FAKE REVIEWS

What to Do If a Competitor Is Leaving Fake Reviews

Reviews posted by competitors break Google’s conflict-of-interest policy, whether or not the person ever visited.

How to spot it

• The reviewer praises a nearby competitor in the same review or on the same day.
• Their profile shows reviews for several businesses in your category, all negative except one.
• The name matches someone who works at, or owns, a competing business.

Document everything

Screenshot the review and the reviewer’s profile before reporting, since profiles can change. Note links between the reviewer and the competitor.

Report as conflict of interest

Choose the conflict-of-interest category and explain the connection in the appeal if the first report is rejected.

Stay professional

Don’t accuse the competitor publicly. It rarely helps and can create legal risk. Let the evidence do the work.