In a move welcomed by small business owners and digital marketers alike, Google has launched a new help document titled “Report negative review extortion scams on your Business Profile.” This dedicated resource introduces a structured process for identifying and reporting fraudulent review threats, a growing form of online harassment that’s been plaguing businesses for years.
Understanding The Problem
The scam typically begins with a sudden influx of suspicious low-star reviews on a company’s Google Business Profile. Within hours or days, the business receives a threatening message via email, text, or social media, demanding money or free products in exchange for the removal of those negative reviews.
The Golden Rule
Google’s guidance is clear: Never respond to or pay extortionists.
DO NOT engage with scammers; this often escalates the situation, giving them leverage and inviting repeat attacks.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING—screenshots, message timestamps, and emails—and proceed directly to Google’s reporting channel.
How to Take Action: The New Reporting Process
- Google now provides a dedicated form (titled “Report negative review extortion scams on your Business Profile.”) to report review extortion scams, replacing the generic “Flag a review” option.
- Provide the proof you need: Images of communications, timestamps, or anything else that can establish the attempt at fraud.
- Google reviews submissions using manual checks and automated fraud detection.
- Businesses are notified once a resolution is reached, though enforcement details remain undisclosed.
Why This Update Matters for Small Businesses
Google now officially recognizes review extortion as a legitimate, reportable threat.
Previously, there was no clear process for businesses to report such scams, leading to denied removal requests.
The new reporting pathway offers faster, more transparent protection for legitimate businesses.
This move signals that Google won’t tolerate online intimidation or extortion tactics.
The Takeaway
For digital marketers, agencies, and small business owners, this update isn’t just procedural—it’s a long-overdue layer of protection in an increasingly complex review ecosystem. Google’s new documentation underscores a simple but vital truth: authenticity and integrity in online reputation management are non-negotiable.
