Review extortion has become one of the most alarming threats to Google Business Profiles in 2024–2025. More businesses are reporting criminals leaving fake 1-star reviews and then demanding payment to remove them.
This type of attack not only harms a company’s reputation — it can directly affect rankings, conversions, and trust.
But there’s good news: Google has finally released a dedicated solution to combat review extortion, and early reports show it’s working fast.
🔎 What Is Review Extortion?
Review extortion happens when bad actors:
- Leave fake 1-star reviews with no text or irrelevant text
- Contact the business demanding money, gift cards, or payment apps
- Threaten more negative reviews if the business does not pay
For some industries, attackers send large batches of negative reviews in minutes, causing immediate damage.
This tactic has become increasingly common — especially for dentists, law firms, contractors, HVAC, and restaurants.
🛡️ Google’s New Review Extortion Tool
To address the surge in extortion attempts, Google launched the Review Extortion Form, a dedicated reporting path separate from standard review removal appeals.
Businesses are reporting fast resolutions, including:
- Successful removal of fake/extortion reviews
- Responses from Google in as little as 24 hours
- No need for long back-and-forth appeals
- No requirement to prove customer ID
This is a major shift — and a much-needed one.
🟢 Why This Matters
Before this form existed, businesses struggled with:
- Slow responses from Google
- Automated denials
- No way to verify extortion without text in the review
- Attackers posting dozens of reviews before a fix
Now, evidence shows Google is:
- Prioritizing these cases
- Reviewing them manually
- Removing reviews rapidly
- Taking the issue more seriously
This is the strongest response Google has ever had to review extortion.
🚨 What to Do If You Experience Review Extortion
1. DO NOT PAY the scammers.
Paying often leads to additional attacks.
2. Collect evidence.
Screenshots of the review + extortion message.
3. Submit the Review Extortion Form.
This special form accelerates removal.
4. Monitor your profile daily.
5. Document timestamps for each new review.
This helps Google identify patterns.
🧩 Steady Demand Clients: We Handle This for You
If you’re a Steady Demand client with My Business Assurance:
👉 Log in to your client portal
👉 Select Review Defense
👉 Upload screenshots or details
We will submit the extortion case to Google on your behalf — including escalation, tracking, and documentation.
No need to talk to Google Support or navigate the form yourself.
👋 Not a Current Client?
If you’re experiencing review extortion, do not wait.
Visit www.steadydemand.com and tell our team you’re dealing with fake or extortion-based reviews.
We can help you:
- File through the correct channel
- Escalate to Google
- Track removal progress
- Protect your listing from further attacks
✅ Final Thoughts
Review extortion is rising — but now businesses finally have a reliable, fast path to removal.
Google’s new Review Extortion Form is resolving cases within 24 hours and giving business owners the support they’ve needed for years.
Steady Demand is actively helping clients remove extortion reviews as soon as they appear.
If you’re targeted, reach out — we’re here to protect your reputation.
