Online reputation

Removing a fake Google review: the steps to follow

A clearly fake, abusive or mistakenly posted review can be reported to Google. Removal is never guaranteed, but there is a process — and, in the meantime, a composed reply already limits the damage.

What Google agrees to remove

Google doesn't remove a review just because it's negative: it has to break the rules — abusive or hateful content, spam, off-topic content, conflict of interest (competitor, former employee), personal data. An unhappy but genuine customer won't be removed.

Before reporting, honestly ask which category the review falls into: that's what makes the difference between a report that succeeds and one that goes nowhere.

How to report it

From your Google Business Profile, open the review, click the three dots then "Report review" and pick the reason. You can also go through Google Business Profile support to track the request. Processing takes from a few days to a few weeks.

Stay factual: explain precisely which rule is broken, without aggression.

In the meantime, reply — that's what future customers see

Whether it's removed or not, your public reply stays visible and weighs as much as the review. Reply calmly, without accusing: "We can't find any record of your visit, please contact us to discuss." A measured reply to a dubious review reassures more than a removal.

Igor writes exactly this kind of reply for you, in the language of the review — you approve in one click.

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Also worth reading

Replying to Google reviews: the practical guideHow to reply to a positive or negative Google review, with the right tone, quickly — and without making difficult situations worse. Customer reviews: how they bring in more peopleWhy customer reviews weigh so heavily in the buying decision, and how to make the most of them without ever cheating: collecting, replying, handling negative reviews. How to improve your Google rating, honestlyRaising your average Google rating takes method, not fake reviews: steady collection, careful replies, customer experience. Here's how to go about it.

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