"Extortion scams are a serious policy violation, and Google is committed to helping protect businesses from these scams. These scams may involve a sudden increase in 1-star and 2-star reviews on your Google Business Profile, followed by someone demanding money, goods, or services in exchange for removing the negative reviews. Although our moderation systems catch most suspicious activity, we recommend that all merchants remain vigilant in identifying and reporting potential extortion of their Business Profile."
"Do not engage with or pay the malicious individuals. This can encourage further attempts and doesn't guarantee the removal of reviews. Do not try to resolve it yourself by offering money or services. Gather all evidence immediately. The sooner you collect proof, the better. Report all relevant communication you receive in the form. Google has a specific form to report these scams, so use that form."
Google defines extortion scams as coordinated attacks that create a sudden spike in 1-star and 2-star reviews followed by demands for money, goods, or services to remove those reviews. Automated moderation does not catch every case, so merchants are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately. Recommended actions include not engaging with or paying attackers, not attempting to resolve the matter with payments or services, gathering and preserving evidence quickly, and reporting all communications through Google's dedicated reporting form. Google investigates submitted reports and notifies merchants of outcomes while limiting details for privacy and security reasons.
Read at Search Engine Roundtable
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