1. Describe the problem:
I own a small home repair and maintenance business in the U.S. I have a Google Business Profile where I have been collecting real reviews from customers for years. I asked every satisfied client to leave a review, slowly building my rating and reputation.
Then fake negative reviews started appearing from people with Indian names who had never been my customers. After that, I started getting messages offering to remove those reviews for a fee. I paid once — it did nothing. It keeps happening again and again.
I contacted Google. They said they don't see any policy violations in those reviews and won't remove them.
The most frustrating part is how much work and time I have put into this business. After every completed job, I ask clients to leave a review, slowly building my rating and reputation. Then some people who were never my customers show up and try to destroy everything in a couple of days.
Then fake negative reviews started appearing from people with Indian names who had never been my customers. After that, I started getting messages offering to remove those reviews for a fee. I paid once — it did nothing. It keeps happening again and again.
I contacted Google. They said they don't see any policy violations in those reviews and won't remove them.
The most frustrating part is how much work and time I have put into this business. After every completed job, I ask clients to leave a review, slowly building my rating and reputation. Then some people who were never my customers show up and try to destroy everything in a couple of days.
2. How often does the problem occur?
This started recently, but the reviews keep coming in waves. Every time new fake reviews appear, I face the same problem again. And every time, I get offers to pay for their removal.
3. What attempts have you made to solve the problem?
I paid the people who offered to remove the reviews. It didn't work — they didn't remove anything, they just keep sending new reviews and demanding more money.
I contacted Google Business Support. They reviewed the reviews and said they don't see any policy violations, so they won't remove them.
I haven't found any other way to solve this. The reviews stay up, my rating drops, and potential customers see those fake ratings.
I contacted Google Business Support. They reviewed the reviews and said they don't see any policy violations, so they won't remove them.
I haven't found any other way to solve this. The reviews stay up, my rating drops, and potential customers see those fake ratings.
4. How much are you willing to pay for the solution?
I have already shown that I am willing to pay to protect my reputation and business. If a real, working solution appears that actually removes fake reviews and protects against new attacks, I am willing to consider a reasonable fee for it. I can't name an exact amount right now, but I am open to discussing it with anyone who can solve this problem.