Exclusive: How To Remove Fake Reviews From Google (NZ)
September 22, 2017 | Technology
We are often asked by businesses how to deal with FAKE reviews on Google.
This is a very big problem for business owners, whose reputation solely rests on what potential clients can read online. Angry ex employees and dishonest competitors can cause massive problems by posting bad and fake reviews.
Here is how you deal with the issue.
Respond to the fake review
Usually our advice is not to engage a troll or online antagonist. But in this case, it's a good idea. Respond to the fake review, put the antagonist on notice that you know itʼs a fake. Be rational and professional. Clearly lay out your evidence telling everyone how you know itʼs a fake.
Report to Google
Click on the flag next to the reviewerʼs name to get to a page where you can report the review as a violation of Googleʼs Terms of service https:// www.google.com/policies/terms/.
Fill out the form, using your business email address for the contact information.
Donʼt be Afraid to Call Google
We suggest that you wait 24 hours, if the review hasnʼt been removed, call Google to get results. Look for your listing on https://www.google.com/business/.
Find the icon with three lines in the upper left part of the page, and click on it to find “support.” It might take persistence but you will get there after two or three times.
You will definitely have to have all your evidence at hand to prove the review is a fake.
The Investigators can help you assemble and obtain the evidence such as fake photos, similar content and disgruntled ex staff members.
For more about these services click here.
Call in the Lawyers
Last but not least (because we all dislike having to pay for lawyers) fill out the form for a legal removal request. This link is at www.support.Google.com/legal.
Donʼt be disheartened and keep following up with the case and in the end your reviews will be removed.
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We have a full time forensics expert as part of our Auckland Team. Eitan has been a resident in New Zealand for 20 years and speaks fluent English and Chinese.
He was previously with the Royal New Zealand Defence Force and is currently studying toward a PHD in Computer Forensics.
Qualifications
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- BSC in Computer Science and Mathematics, Victoria University of Wellington 1998 – 2001
Click here to learn more about our cyber crime services. Call us on 0800 747 633, or click here to email our team of experienced Private Investigators.
