Answers / Google Business Profile

How Do I Report a Fake Review on My Google Business Profile?

Open your profile's reviews, choose Report next to the review, and pick the reason. Google removes reviews that break its policies, not ones you simply disagree with. Checks typically take several days.

Report it from your profile

1. Go to your Business Profile and select Read reviews.
2. Next to the review, select Report.
3. Choose the reason, for example spam or conflict of interest.
4. Send the report.

Google says review evaluation typically takes several days. You can track the status in the Reviews Management Tool.

What counts as fake

• The reviewer was never a customer.
• A competitor or former employee posting about you.
• A batch of reviews from accounts with no history, posted around the same time.
• Content that breaks Google's prohibited and restricted content policy.

An honest one-star review from a real customer usually isn't removable. Reply to it calmly instead.

If it isn't removed

• Check the status in the Reviews Management Tool and appeal if that option is offered.
• Reply publicly and briefly: you have no record of the customer, and invite them to contact you.
• Keep earning real reviews. A steady stream of genuine reviews dilutes one bad one.

The law cuts both ways

The FTC's 2024 rule bans fake reviews, including AI-generated ones, and buying reviews with a particular sentiment. It also bans using groundless legal threats or intimidation to remove negative reviews. Don't fight fake reviews with fake reviews.

If you want this handled every month, see our Google Business Profile management.

FAQ