Use Googles form for review extortion scams

The quick answer

If you are the target of a negative review extortion scam, follow these three steps to get the fake reviews removed:

1. Do not pay the scammers. Paying encourages more attacks and does not guarantee review removal.
2. Gather all evidence. Take screenshots of the fake reviews, the extortion messages (emails, texts, chats), and any sender information.
3. Submit Google's Merchant Extortion Report Form. Use the official form to provide Google with your business details and the evidence you collected.

What is a negative review extortion scam?

A negative review extortion scam happens when scammers post fake 1-star reviews on your Google Business Profile. They then contact you to demand money, gift cards, or services in exchange for removing them.

This tactic is also known as "review bombing." The goal is to damage your online reputation so severely that you feel forced to pay the ransom. These attacks violate multiple Google policies, including those against fake engagement, harassment, and extortion.

How to spot a review extortion attempt

These scams follow a clear pattern. Look for these warning signs on your Google Business Profile:

• A sudden spike in 1-star reviews. Your profile may receive many negative reviews overnight or within a 24-hour period.
• Generic review text. The reviews are often vague and do not mention specific details about your products or services.
• Unidentifiable reviewers. The names on the reviews do not match any customers in your records, and the reviewer profiles have little to no history.
• A direct ransom demand. Scammers will contact you through email, WhatsApp, or even in the reviews themselves, threatening more negative reviews unless you pay.

How to use Google's Merchant Extortion Report Form

Google created a dedicated process for businesses to report these attacks. Following the steps correctly gives you the best chance of getting the fake reviews removed quickly.

Step 1: Do not pay the scammers

Your first instinct might be to pay to make the problem disappear. Do not do it. Paying the ransom shows scammers that their tactic works, making you and other businesses a target for future attacks.

There is no guarantee they will remove the reviews after you pay. The only effective solution is to report the situation to Google.

Step 2: Gather your evidence

Before you fill out the form, you need to collect proof of the scam. Google's Trust & Safety team needs clear evidence to act. Prepare the following items:

• Your business details: Your business name, address, public Google Business Profile URL, and Profile ID.
• Links to the suspicious reviews: Copy the direct URL for each fake review.
• Screenshots of the reviews: Capture images of the reviews on your profile.
• Screenshots of the extortion messages: This is the most important evidence. Capture the full conversation, including the sender's username or number, the dates, and the specific demands.

Organize this information in a folder on your computer so it's ready to upload.

Step 3: Fill out the official report form

Once your evidence is ready, go to Google's Merchant Extortion Report Form. This is the only official channel for these reports. The form can be found in the Google Business Profile Help Center.

You will be asked to provide all the information you just gathered. Be concise and factual in your descriptions. Upload your screenshots as proof linking the extortion attempt to the fake reviews. A strong SEO content strategy can help your profile recover faster by burying any residual impact.

Proof the Google report form works

The form is proving to be effective. As reported by Search Engine Land, multiple businesses have successfully used the form to remove fraudulent reviews.

Six law firms that were targeted by a review extortion scam used the new process. After submitting their evidence through the form, Google removed the fake reviews for all of them. The businesses included:

• The Law Offices of Daniel Kim
• The Law Offices of John Rapillo
• The Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell
• The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker
• The Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates
• The Law Offices of Joseph H. Low IV

This shows that when you provide clear evidence through the proper channel, Google's team will take action.

What happens after you submit the report?

After you submit the form, Google’s Trust & Safety team will investigate your claim. They will review the evidence you provided to confirm the policy violation.

If the investigation confirms extortion, the team will remove the fake reviews and may suspend the abusive accounts. Google will notify you by email once a decision is made. You will not receive detailed results of the investigation, but you will see the reviews disappear from your profile.

Protecting your business long term

A review extortion scam is a direct attack on your business's credibility. While Google's form is a powerful reactive tool, proactive defense is also important. Your digital presence starts with a professional platform.

A well-built site establishes trust and authority, making your business more resilient. Ensure your website is designed to convert visitors into customers, giving you a strong foundation that isn't solely dependent on third-party review platforms.