How to Remove False and Fake Negative Reviews from Google
Online reviews shape your reputation. A single false or misleading review can deter customers. Fortunately, Google provides tools to report and remove reviews that violate policy. Use this guide to identify, flag, and manage fake negative reviews on your Google Business Profile.
🔎 Step 1: Identify If a Review Is Fake
A review may violate Google’s content policies if it:
- Contains false or deceptive statements.
- Was posted by a competitor/conflict of interest.
- Includes offensive, threatening, or irrelevant content.
- Doesn’t describe a genuine customer experience (spam/bot).
- Shows patterns: new accounts, copy-paste text, sudden spikes.
Compare the review to your CRM, invoices, and support logs for mismatches.
đźš© Step 2: Flag the Review in Google
- Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager.
- Find the review > click the â‹® menu > Report review.
- Select the most accurate reason (e.g., “Not relevant,” “Conflict of interest”).
Reviews are typically processed within several days (can take up to two weeks).
📞 Step 3: Escalate Through Google Support
- Go to the GBP Help Center > Contact Us.
- Provide: profile link, reviewer name, date/content, and why it’s fake.
- Attach evidence (screenshots, logs showing no record of the customer).
🛡 Step 4: Respond Professionally (While You Wait)
We take feedback seriously, but we have no record of this interaction. Please contact us at [phone/email] so we can clarify and help.
A calm, factual reply reassures future customers and reduces the impact.
đź’¬ Step 5: Strengthen Your Review Strategy
- Invite happy customers to post authentic reviews (email/SMS follow-ups).
- Monitor your profile regularly for suspicious activity.
- Track mentions with alerts or reputation tools.
- Keep NAP data consistent across directories to reinforce trust.
⚖️ Step 6: Legal Options (Last Resort)
For defamatory or malicious false claims, consult an attorney and consider a removal request via Google’s Legal Help portal.
âś… Quick Links
- Google Content Policy for Reviews
- Google Business Profile Manager
- GBP Help Center
- Google Legal Help (Defamation/Removal)
đź§ Final Thoughts
Persistence and professionalism win. Flag violations, document everything, reply calmly, and keep earning genuine positive reviews to outweigh the noise.
AdverGroup is a local website design and development company based in Oak Brook, IL. We serve clients beyond the Chicago area and across the United States. If you need professional assistance isn removing flase and/or fake negative Google reviews, contact us today!!

