How to Remove Fake Google Reviews from Your Business Profile

Fake reviews can be super frustrating, especially when you're working hard to build your reputation. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get those removed from your Google Business Profile. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Spot the Fake Reviews

First, figure out which reviews are fake. Some signs to look for:

• Reviews that sound suspiciously similar (like they’ve been copy-pasted).
• Reviews from people who don’t seem to have actually used your service.
• Weird details like mentions of products or services you don’t offer.
• Sudden floods of negative reviews that don’t align with recent customer experiences.

2. Flag the Fake Review

Once you’ve found a review that looks fake, you can report it to Google. Here’s how:

• Go to your Google Business Profile.
• Find the review in question, click the three dots next to it, and select "Flag as inappropriate."

Google will check if the review breaks their rules, like being spammy, fake, or using offensive language. If it does, they'll take it down. It may take some time, though.

3. Reach Out to Google Support

If flagging the review doesn’t work, you can contact Google directly for help. You can:

• Use the chat or call support feature from your Google Business Profile dashboard.
• Fill out Google’s online review removal form and provide details about why the review is fake.

Be sure to explain why you think the review is bogus, and include any proof you have (like screenshots, or customer records).

4. Respond to the Fake Review

While you're waiting for Google to handle things, respond to the fake review to set the record straight. Here’s a good approach:

• Be polite and professional. Don’t get angry or defensive—it just adds fuel to the fire.
• Ask for more details. Fake reviewers usually can’t provide any real specifics.
• Mention you’ve reported the review to Google for investigation.

Example: “Hi [Name], we take feedback seriously, but we’re unable to verify your experience with us. We’ve reported this to Google for review. Please contact us directly if you'd like to discuss this further.”

5. Get More Real Reviews

Encourage your happy customers to leave positive reviews. This can help balance out the fake ones and show potential customers what your business is really like. The more genuine reviews you get, the less impact fake ones will have.

6. Keep an Eye on Reviews

Set up notifications or regularly check your Google Business Profile for new reviews. The quicker you catch a fake review, the quicker you can deal with it.

7. Legal Action as a Last Resort

If the fake reviews are malicious and damaging your business, you could consider taking legal action, like sending a cease-and-desist letter. This is usually a last resort, though, and should be done with professional advice.