Guide · fake reviews

How to respond to fake Google reviews

A review from someone who never visited is infuriating. Report it, reply calmly while you wait, and don't let it pull you into a public argument.

The reviews below are made up. Change names and details to match what really happened before you post anything. Draft one for your real review with the free generator.

Report it.

Google decides based on its policies. A review being harsh or unfair isn't enough; it has to break a rule.

Open the review from your Business Profile.
Use the menu on the review to report it, and choose the reason that fits (for example fake engagement, off-topic, conflict of interest).
Google also has a reviews management tool in its Business Profile help where you can check the status of a report and appeal.

Reply in the meantime.

Removal can take days or not happen at all, and readers see the review in the meantime. A short, neutral reply helps: you can't find a record, you'd like to understand, here's how to reach you. No accusations.

Don't.

Accuse the reviewer of being a competitor in public.
Post fake positive reviews to balance it. That breaks Google's policies too.
Offer to pay for removal. Services that promise it are a risk to your profile.

Examples

Reviews and replies.

1-starLikely fake
Review (example)
Terrible food, got sick.
Example reply
I'm sorry to read this, and I take food safety seriously. I couldn't match this review to a booking or visit. Please contact me at [email] so I can look into it properly.
Why it works: Takes the claim seriously without accusing anyone.

Questions

Common questions.

How long does Google take to review a report?

It varies. Google's help pages describe checking the status in its reviews management tool. There's no guaranteed timeline.

Draft replies right on the review page.

The ReplyPlate Chrome extension writes a first draft; you read it and post it.

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