How to Spot and Remove Fake Google Reviews 

One fake Google review can undo years of hard work.

Before customers call you, book you, or visit your office, they check your Google review section. And when those reviews include fake negative reviews or suspicious 1-star ratings, it doesn’t just hurt feelings it hurts revenue.

For business owners especially those working with an SEO company in Kolkata to improve local visibility fake reviews on Google are frustrating, unfair, and unfortunately common. The good news?
You can spot fake reviews, deal with them properly, and report fake Google reviews the right way.

This guide shows you:

• How to spot fake Google reviews
• How to remove fake Google reviews
• What Google will (and won’t) do
• How to protect your Google Business Profile long-term

Let’s get into it.

Why Fake Google Reviews Are a Serious Problem for Businesses

A fake review isn’t just annoying it can damage trust instantly.

Here’s why fake Google reviews can damage your business:

• Reviews influence buying decisions
• Reviews affect local rankings
• Reviews shape your online reputation
• Reviews impact conversion rates

Even a single negative Google review that’s fake can push potential customers to a competitor.

That’s why dealing with fake reviews is no longer optional it’s crucial for protecting your business.

What Is a Fake Google Review?

A fake Google review is any review that:

• Was not left by a real customer
• Was posted to harm or manipulate a business
• Violates Google’s review policies

Fake reviews may be:

• Fake negative reviews (to damage competitors)
• Fake positive reviews (to boost a business unfairly)
• Reviews posted as part of a fake review campaign
• Reviews generated in bulk or exchange for reviews

Google doesn’t allow this and reviews that violate Google policies can be removed. That’s why working with a local SEO expert in Kolkata can help businesses identify policy violations early and protect their Google Business Profile from long-term damage.

How Google Uses Reviews (And Why Fake Ones Matter)

Google uses reviews to determine:

• Trustworthiness
• Relevance
• Prominence in local search

That’s why Google uses automated systems and advanced detection methods to identify suspicious activity.

But here’s the catch:
Google doesn’t automatically remove every fake review.

That’s where business owners must step in.

Read more: The Benefits of Google My Business Profile: How It Helps You Get More Leads

Learn How to Spot Fake Google Reviews

Let’s break down how to spot fake reviews before they hurt your business.

Spot Fake Reviews: Common Red Flags to Watch For

1. Reviews Without Details

Genuine reviews usually mention:

• The service used
• Staff names
• Location details
• Specific experiences

Fake reviews often:

• Are vague
• Say “bad service” with no context
• Contain generic complaints

If a review has reviews without details, it’s a red flag.

2. Fake Reviews Posted in a Short Time

An influx of reviews is suspicious.

Red flags include:

• A large number of reviews within a short period
• Multiple reviews posted on the same day
• Reviews within a short period from new accounts

This could indicate:

• A fake review campaign
• Reviews generated artificially

3. Suspicious Reviewer Profiles

Check the reviewer:

• No profile photo
• No other reviews
• Recently created account
• Reviews businesses across different cities or countries

These fake ones are easy to miss unless you check profiles carefully.

4. Fake Negative Reviews That Don’t Match Your Business

Ask yourself:

• Does this person exist in your records?
• Does the complaint match your services?
• Did this situation ever happen?

If the review is fake, you’ll often find:

• No transaction history
• No interaction ever recorded

5. Multiple 1-Star Reviews With Similar Language

When fake reviews often use similar words or phrases, it’s a strong signal.

This usually happens when someone:

• Pays for reviews
• Uses bots
• Organizes a mass posting effort

Fake Positive Reviews: Not Safe Either

Some businesses think fake positive reviews help.

They don’t.

Businesses using fake reviews risk:

• Profile suspension
• Review removal
• Loss of credibility

Google uses advanced algorithms to detect unnatural review patterns. If reviews are posted just to boost ratings, Google will review them.

How to Remove Fake Google Reviews the Right Way

Now the big question:
How do you remove fake Google reviews?

Let’s walk through the exact steps.

Step 1: Monitor Reviews on a Regular Basis

You can’t remove what you don’t see.

Best practice:

• Check your Google Business Profile reviews weekly
• Set notifications for new reviews
• Monitor reviews on a regular basis

Early detection makes review removal easier.

Recommended: How Does Google My Business Profile Work?

Step 2: Flag the Review as Inappropriate

If you believe a Google review is fake, follow these steps:

1. Open your Google Business Profile
2. Find the suspicious review
3. Click the three dots
4. Select Flag the review as inappropriate

This is how you report fake Google reviews directly to Google.

Step 3: Report and Remove Fake Reviews Through Google Support

If nothing happens after flagging:

• Contact Google via Business Support
• Submit a request for review removal
• Explain why the review violates Google policies

This helps Google take action faster.

Step 4: Waiting for Google to Take Action (What to Expect)

Here’s the honest truth:

• Google will review your request
• Removal is not instant
• You may be waiting for Google to take action for days or weeks

If the review violates policy, Google may:

• Remove it
• Hide it
• Ask for more details

Patience matters here.

Can Google Remove Fake Reviews Automatically?

Yes but not always.

Google uses:

• Automated detection
• Pattern analysis
• User behavior signals

However, fake reviews can be difficult to catch automatically especially single fake negative reviews.

That’s why reporting is still important.

What Google Will NOT Do

Important for business owners to know:

• Google doesn’t remove reviews just because they are negative
• Google doesn’t verify every customer
• Google won’t remove reviews without policy violations

A negative review must violate policy to be removed.

Know more: Why Are Customer Reviews So Important?

How to Deal With Fake Negative Reviews That Stay

Sometimes, removal doesn’t happen.

Here’s how to handle dealing with fake negative reviews professionally.

Respond Professionally to All Reviews (Even Fake Ones)

Always respond.

Why?

• Reviews are public
• Potential customers read responses
• It shows you care

Example response:

We take customer feedback seriously, but we’re unable to find any record of this experience. Please contact us directly so we can assist.

This builds trust even if the review stays.

Encourage Customers to Leave Honest Reviews

The best defense against fake reviews?

More genuine reviews.

Encourage customers to leave honest reviews by:

• Asking after service completion
• Sharing your review link
• Making it easy for customers

A strong volume of real customer reviews dilutes fake ones.

Protect Your Business From Fake Reviews Long-Term

Here are steps to protect your business going forward.

Best Practices to Prevent Fake Reviews on Google

1. Build a Review System

Consistently ask customers to leave reviews:

• WhatsApp
• Email
• QR codes

This helps increase the number of reviews naturally.

2. Monitor Review Activity Closely

Sudden spikes?
Check immediately.

Reviews posted unnaturally should be investigated.

3. Never Engage in Review Exchanges

Avoid:

• Exchange for reviews
• Buying reviews
• Asking staff to post reviews

These violates Google policies.

4. Educate Your Team

Train staff to:

• Spot suspicious reviews
• Escalate issues quickly
• Protect the business profile

Fake Reviews on Google: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a fake Google review myself?

No. You must report it to Google.

Will Google always remove fake reviews?

No. Google will review and decide based on policy.

How long does review removal take?

Anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Final Thoughts: Reviews Are Crucial - Protect Them

Online reviews can help or hurt your business.

• Genuine reviews build trust
• Fake reviews damage credibility
• Monitoring reviews is crucial

Learning how to spot and remove fake Google reviews helps protect your reputation, rankings, and revenue.

Need Help Dealing With Fake Google Reviews?

At FavFly, we help business owners:

• Monitor Google Business Profiles
• Detect and remove fake reviews
• Build systems for genuine reviews
• Protect online reputation long-term

Book a free Google Business Profile audit
Or WhatsApp us today