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How do I deal with fake negative Google reviews and extortion attempts on my business?

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Manage episode 510050154 series 3613697
Content provided by LocalBizGuys. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by LocalBizGuys or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the rising threat of the Google Review Mafia extortion scam. Business owners are facing a surge of fake one-star reviews intended to damage reputations, followed by demands for payment to have the negative reviews removed. We'll explore actionable steps to protect your Google Business Profile, why it’s crucial not to engage scammers, and explain how LocalBizGuys.com offers complete, expert management to defend your online reputation, increase visibility, and keep those phones ringing.

Key Topics Covered:

  • What is the Google Review Mafia scam and how does it operate
  • The impact of fake Google reviews on local business profiles, online visibility, customer calls, and revenue
  • Best practices for responding (or not responding) to fake review attacks, including reporting reviews to Google
  • Why Google is getting faster and smarter at removing suspicious review patterns and marking suspected spam
  • The critical importance of continuing to collect authentic positive reviews
  • Why professional GBP management from LocalBizGuys.com can protect, monitor, and restore your business reputation
  • Proactive steps every business should take to defend online reputation
  • How LocalBizGuys.com clients see a four hundred percent increase in visibility and consistently achieve top three map rankings

Key Action Steps from the Episode:

  • Resist the urge to reply or pay; never engage with extortionists
  • Immediately report fake and suspect reviews to Google using Google’s “report a problem” feature
  • Be patient as Google's review removal processes are now faster and often flag reviews mid-investigation
  • Focus on gathering authentic customer reviews to outnumber and outweigh any fake reviews
  • For total peace of mind, have LocalBizGuys.com manage, monitor, and optimize your Google Business Profile for you

Resources & Additional Links:

  • Submit your questions: localbizguys.com/ask
  • Get your free 3-Pack domination guide: localbizguys.com
  • Contact an expert: localbizguys.com/contact

Calls To Action:

  • Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform
  • Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
  • Visit LocalBizGuys.com for professional Google Business Profile management

Connect With Us:

Website: localbizguys.com

Email: [email protected]

Social:

LocalBizGuys Facebook Page

LocalBizGuys on Instagram

LocalBizGuys on X.com

LocalBizGuys on LinkedIn

Related Keywords for Online Search & SEO:

Google business extortion, fake review scam, report fake Google reviews, restore business reputation, business review protection, GBP management expert, Google review removal service, local business SEO, Google profile defense, review bomb prevention, fraudulent reviews Google

Listen now to take back control of your local business reputation!

  continue reading

24 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 510050154 series 3613697
Content provided by LocalBizGuys. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by LocalBizGuys or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the rising threat of the Google Review Mafia extortion scam. Business owners are facing a surge of fake one-star reviews intended to damage reputations, followed by demands for payment to have the negative reviews removed. We'll explore actionable steps to protect your Google Business Profile, why it’s crucial not to engage scammers, and explain how LocalBizGuys.com offers complete, expert management to defend your online reputation, increase visibility, and keep those phones ringing.

Key Topics Covered:

  • What is the Google Review Mafia scam and how does it operate
  • The impact of fake Google reviews on local business profiles, online visibility, customer calls, and revenue
  • Best practices for responding (or not responding) to fake review attacks, including reporting reviews to Google
  • Why Google is getting faster and smarter at removing suspicious review patterns and marking suspected spam
  • The critical importance of continuing to collect authentic positive reviews
  • Why professional GBP management from LocalBizGuys.com can protect, monitor, and restore your business reputation
  • Proactive steps every business should take to defend online reputation
  • How LocalBizGuys.com clients see a four hundred percent increase in visibility and consistently achieve top three map rankings

Key Action Steps from the Episode:

  • Resist the urge to reply or pay; never engage with extortionists
  • Immediately report fake and suspect reviews to Google using Google’s “report a problem” feature
  • Be patient as Google's review removal processes are now faster and often flag reviews mid-investigation
  • Focus on gathering authentic customer reviews to outnumber and outweigh any fake reviews
  • For total peace of mind, have LocalBizGuys.com manage, monitor, and optimize your Google Business Profile for you

Resources & Additional Links:

  • Submit your questions: localbizguys.com/ask
  • Get your free 3-Pack domination guide: localbizguys.com
  • Contact an expert: localbizguys.com/contact

Calls To Action:

  • Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform
  • Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
  • Visit LocalBizGuys.com for professional Google Business Profile management

Connect With Us:

Website: localbizguys.com

Email: [email protected]

Social:

LocalBizGuys Facebook Page

LocalBizGuys on Instagram

LocalBizGuys on X.com

LocalBizGuys on LinkedIn

Related Keywords for Online Search & SEO:

Google business extortion, fake review scam, report fake Google reviews, restore business reputation, business review protection, GBP management expert, Google review removal service, local business SEO, Google profile defense, review bomb prevention, fraudulent reviews Google

Listen now to take back control of your local business reputation!

  continue reading

24 episodes

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