Online reviews have become the lifeblood of consumer trust. But let’s cut the crap—not all reviews are real. Some are fake. Some are planted. And some are flat-out sabotage.
If you run a business in 2025, you’re fighting two battles: running your business and defending its reputation online. Today we’re diving into the dark world of fake reviews—how to spot them, report them, remove them, and when it’s time to lawyer up.
Competitors Leaving Bad Reviews? Here’s What to Do
It’s one thing to earn a bad review for a slip-up. It’s another when your competitor is behind it. This isn’t paranoia. It happens—a lot.
If you suspect a bad review came from a rival, here’s your plan:
- Document Everything: Screenshot the review, log the username, timestamp, and any context.
- Look for Patterns: If the reviewer has only left one review—on your business—or their name matches another local competitor, raise the red flag.
- Respond with Class: Don’t attack. Simply say, “We couldn’t find a record of this experience. Please reach out so we can make this right.”
- Report It: Platforms like Google and Yelp allow you to report reviews that violate guidelines. On Google, log into your Business Profile, find the review, click the three dots, and flag it. (Google Help Center)
And remember—even if the platform doesn’t remove it, your classy public response builds trust with real customers.
How to Spot a Fake Review Before It Hurts Your Business
Fake reviews often stand out if you know what to look for. Here are the biggest red flags:
- Extreme Language: If it sounds too good or too angry to be true, it probably is. Real people are more balanced.
- Generic Descriptions: No mention of actual products, services, or locations? It’s likely a bot or a bought review.
- Repetitive Wording Across Reviews: If multiple 5-star reviews use the same wording, someone’s gaming the system.
- No Verified Purchase or Profile History: Many platforms now tag verified purchases. If it’s missing, that’s a clue.
- Review Bombing: A flood of negative reviews over a short period? You’re being targeted.
According to a study by Consumer Reports, fake reviews are on the rise, and many use AI to craft them. (Consumer Reports)
The Review Bombing Epidemic: Why No One is Safe
Review bombing isn’t just for Hollywood blockbusters and video games. It’s hitting small businesses too.
The concept is simple: angry mobs or coordinated competitors post a barrage of negative reviews to tank your ratings. Sometimes it’s politically motivated. Sometimes it’s personal. Sometimes it’s just malicious.
One high-profile example? “The Last of Us Part II” was review-bombed within hours of release—before most people could even finish the game. (Springer)
If your Google or Yelp page suddenly gets 10+ negative reviews in a day, it’s time to act fast:
- Notify the Platform Immediately
- Let Customers Know in a Pinned Post or Response
- Request Support from Loyal Customers to Submit Honest Reviews
Getting Fake Reviews Removed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s your no-nonsense playbook:
- Log In: Go to your business account on the review platform.
- Find the Review: Click the three dots or flag icon.
- Select the Appropriate Category: Misrepresentation, conflict of interest, harassment, etc.
- Submit Evidence: Screenshots, email logs, and comparisons to other reviews help your case.
- Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, resubmit or contact support directly.
Every platform has its process, but most follow a similar flow. Uberall has a great breakdown. (Uberall)
Important: Even if a review doesn’t get removed, your response becomes part of your public record. Future customers WILL see how you handled it.
When to Take Legal Action Against Fake Reviewers
Let’s talk lawsuits. You can’t sue someone for hurting your feelings—but you can for defamation or deceptive business practices.
Situations That May Justify Legal Action:
- The review includes false claims that can be proven untrue.
- You can trace the reviewer back to a competitor or former employee.
- The content violates local or federal consumer protection laws.
What You Can Do:
- Send a cease-and-desist letter (a lawyer can draft this).
- File a claim under defamation laws.
- Pursue action under new FTC regulations banning fake reviews and testimonials. (FTC.gov)
Don’t jump to legal threats lightly, but know that it’s an option when your business takes a hit from deliberate sabotage.
Recommendation and Next Steps
Fake reviews are more than just annoying—they’re a threat to your brand’s credibility, revenue, and growth. Ignoring them isn’t an option. Here’s what to do next:
- Audit your online reviews today. Look for red flags, suspicious patterns, and signs of coordinated attacks. If you don’t have review monitoring in place, now’s the time.
- Create a review response protocol. Know who’s responsible, how you’ll reply, and when to escalate.
- Educate your team. Make sure everyone—from your front desk to your digital marketing staff—knows what fake reviews look like and how to respond professionally.
- Download our free checklist: “10 Signs a Review is Fake” to stay proactive and sharp.
- Ready to go full force? Partner with our trusted reputation management experts and let us monitor, defend, and repair your brand’s image.
Don’t let fake feedback define your business. Fight back with facts, strategy, and a team that knows how to win.
