Repify
Open the review in Google Maps or in your Business Profile, choose the option to report it and select the policy it violates, such as spam, fake engagement or conflict of interest. Then track the report in Google's review management tool, where you can see whether the review was removed and request an appeal if the report is rejected. Meanwhile, reply calmly in public.
- Find the review on Google Maps or in the Reviews section of your Business Profile.
- Open the three-dot menu next to the review and choose Report review.
- Select the reason that matches Google's policies, such as fake engagement, conflict of interest, off-topic or offensive content.
- Open Google's review management tool to check the status of your report.
- If the report is declined and you believe it was a mistake, request an appeal from the same tool.
What Google considers fake
Google removes reviews that do not reflect a genuine experience: reviews from people who were never customers, from competitors or current and former employees, bulk reviews from the same source, or reviews that were paid for or incentivized. A real customer's unfair or exaggerated opinion is usually not considered fake, so report only what you can link to a specific policy.
Gather evidence first
Check your bookings, invoices and customer records for the reviewer's name and the date mentioned. Look for patterns such as several reviews posted at once, accounts with no other activity, or details that do not match your business, services or location. This helps you choose the right reason and explain your case clearly if you appeal or contact Google Business Profile support.
Reply while you wait
Reports are not resolved instantly, and Google does not guarantee removal. A short, neutral public reply, such as saying you cannot find a record of the visit and inviting the person to contact you directly, protects your reputation in the meantime. Avoid accusing the reviewer of lying in public; readers trust calm businesses more than defensive ones.