What to Do if a Competitor Leaves You a Fake Review on Google

Introduction: When Business Gets Dirty

You open your Google Business Profile and spot a new one-star review. The name isn’t familiar. The complaint seems exaggerated or made up. Maybe it even mentions a competing business directly.

Your gut tells you it’s not from a real customer—it’s from a competitor trying to sabotage your reputation.

Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think. But the good news is, Google has clear rules against this, and there are steps you can take to fight back and protect your brand.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot a competitor’s fake review, how to report it the right way, and when to bring in a service like Reputation Galaxy to get it removed.

Why Competitors Leave Fake Reviews (and Why It Works)

Bad reviews hurt. Even one can:

• Lower your star rating
  
• Drive away potential customers
  
• Show up in local search results
  
• Damage your brand’s trust
  

That’s exactly why shady competitors sometimes leave them. It’s underhanded, but it’s effective—if you don’t act quickly.

How to Tell If a Competitor Left the Review

Here are common signs a review came from a competitor:

🚩 1. They’re Not in Your Customer Records

You have no record of the name, email, or visit. No appointment. No order. Nothing.

🚩 2. The Details Don’t Add Up

They describe a service you don’t offer, mention a location you don’t operate, or complain about things that don’t match your process.

🚩 3. They Mention Another Business

“Don’t waste your time here—[Competitor Name] is much better.”

That’s a dead giveaway. Google does not allow reviews that promote competitors.

🚩 4. It’s a Pattern

You’ve had a few suspicious reviews lately, all with similar tone, grammar, or timing. That could mean review bombing.

Step-by-Step: What to Do About It

Let’s break down exactly what you should do if you suspect a competitor posted a fake review.

Step 1: Take Screenshots

Before you do anything, document everything:

• Screenshot the review
  
• Note the username and date
  
• Record any unusual activity (e.g. surge in traffic, similar reviews elsewhere)
  

This helps if the reviewer edits or deletes their post—or if you escalate to Google.

Step 2: Check Your Records

Make sure the reviewer wasn’t a real customer using a nickname or spouse’s account. Check order histories, booking logs, and emails.

If you confirm they were never a customer, that strengthens your case.

Step 3: Flag the Review in Google

Here’s how:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile
   
2. Find the review
   
3. Click the three-dot menu
   
4. Select “Report Review”
   
5. Choose “Conflict of interest” as the reason
   

Be specific. If the review promotes a competitor, say so. If you’ve had other attacks, mention that pattern.

Step 4: Submit a Detailed Report to Google Support

Flagging alone isn’t always enough. Go a step further:

• Visit the Google Business Profile Help page
• Click “Contact Us”
• Choose “Manage reviews” → “Report a review”
• Fill out the form with your documentation and a short explanation
  

Example explanation:

This review appears to come from a competitor. The user is not in our customer database, and the review promotes another local business. This violates Google’s conflict of interest policy.

Step 5: Respond Professionally (Yes, Still Respond)

Even if the review is fake, you should respond calmly. Remember, future customers are reading your replies.

Example Response:

Hi there, we take feedback seriously but can’t find any record of your visit. We believe this may have been posted in error. If you did interact with our business, please contact us directly so we can assist you. Thank you.

This shows professionalism and makes the review look suspicious to anyone reading it.

When to Call in Help

If:

• Google won’t remove the review
  
• You’re being targeted repeatedly
  
• You suspect coordinated attacks
  
• You don’t have time to handle this yourself
  

…it’s time to bring in the pros.

How Reputation Galaxy Can Help

Reputation Galaxy is a reputation management service that specializes in removing fake and abusive reviews—including ones from competitors.

Here’s how they help:

✅ Investigation

They analyze the review, compare it with Google’s policies, and confirm whether it qualifies for removal.

✅ Evidence Building

They gather supporting details, including business records, customer logs, and digital footprints to build a strong case.

✅ Professional Submission

They submit the removal request through the proper Google channels with the right policy language and supporting documentation.

✅ Escalation

If Google denies the first request, they can appeal, escalate, or take legal steps if necessary.

✅ Prevention

They help you monitor and protect your review profile moving forward.

Whether you’re dealing with one fake review or an ongoing attack, Reputation Galaxy makes sure your online reputation stays clean, compliant, and credible.

How to Protect Your Business Going Forward

Once you’ve handled the fake review, take steps to avoid future issues.

1. Monitor Your Reviews Daily

Use Google Business alerts or a reputation dashboard.

2. Get More Positive Reviews

Ask happy customers for reviews regularly. A strong profile makes it easier to bury a bad review—even if it takes time to remove.

3. Educate Your Team

Make sure your staff knows how to spot and report suspicious reviews quickly.

4. Track Competitor Behavior

If you notice patterns (like a competitor gaining reviews while yours drop), take note. It could help in a future case.

What You Should NOT Do

Here’s what to avoid, even if you’re angry:

❌ Don’t Leave Fake Reviews in Return

That just puts your business at risk. It’s also illegal in some states.

❌ Don’t Threaten or Name Names Publicly

If you know who posted the review, take action privately or through legal channels. Don’t mention them in your response.

❌ Don’t Ignore It

Even one fake review can damage your business long-term if it stays up and unchallenged.

What If the Competitor Keeps Posting?

If you’re being targeted repeatedly:

• Document every instance
  
• Report each review individually
  
• Contact Google Business Profile support
  
• Consider legal action if needed
  
• Use a service like Reputation Galaxy to investigate and manage the situation
  

In extreme cases, you may be able to obtain a cease and desist letter or restraining order—but that’s a last resort.

Take Back Control

A fake review from a competitor is frustrating. It’s dishonest. It’s unethical. And it can cost you real customers.

But you’re not powerless.

By staying calm, following Google’s process, and working with experts like Reputation Galaxy, you can get fake competitor reviews removed and protect your reputation long-term.

Don’t let your competitors define your business. Take control of your profile—and your story.