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Saved February 14, 2026
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The article discusses a new Google form for reporting negative review extortion scams targeting businesses. It explains how scammers threaten to leave bad reviews unless paid, and offers guidance on using the reporting tool effectively. Google provides tips for dealing with such scams without engaging with the perpetrators.
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Negative review extortion scams have become a significant issue for local businesses, with scammers targeting them through platforms like WhatsApp or email. These scammers typically leave one-star reviews on a business's Google Business Profile and then demand payment to remove the reviews. Google has recently launched a reporting form to combat these scams. This form allows affected businesses to report the extortion, providing details about the incident and any evidence they may have.
To use the reporting form, businesses must log into their Google account linked to their Business Profile. The process includes submitting information about the business and specifics regarding the negative reviews. Google emphasizes the importance of not engaging with these scammers directly and offers tips to help businesses navigate these situations. As these scams continue to rise, the new reporting mechanism could help local businesses protect their online reputations.
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