The New Scam Hitting Australian Small Businesses
Small business owners across Australia are receiving threatening emails and phone calls about fake negative Google reviews. These scammers are getting more sophisticated, and they’re targeting the one thing every business owner cares about: their reputation.
Here’s how this scam works and what you need to know to protect your business.
How the Google Review Scam Works
The scammers follow a predictable playbook:
- Step 1: They post fake negative reviews on your Google Business Profile
- Step 2: They contact you claiming they can “fix” the problem for a fee
- Step 3: They demand payment (usually $200-$500) to remove the reviews
- Step 4: Once paid, they either disappear or demand more money
Some variations include threatening to post more negative reviews unless you pay up, or claiming to be from “Google Support” offering review management services.
Red Flags to Watch For
These warning signs should immediately raise your suspicions:
- Sudden negative reviews from accounts with no profile pictures or review history
- Reviews that seem generic or don’t mention specific details about your business
- Contact attempts shortly after negative reviews appear
- Requests for immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
- Claims that they work for Google (Google never contacts businesses about reviews)
What to Do If You’re Targeted
Don’t panic. Here’s your action plan:
For fake reviews:
- Report them directly to Google through your Business Profile
- Document everything with screenshots
- Respond professionally to reviews (don’t accuse anyone of fraud publicly)
For scammer contact:
- Never pay any money
- Don’t engage with the scammers
- Report the incident to ACCC Scamwatch
- Consider reporting to your local police if threats are involved
Protecting Your Business Long-Term
The best defence is a strong online presence:
- Actively encourage genuine customers to leave reviews
- Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) professionally
- Monitor your online reputation regularly
- Build a solid base of authentic reviews before problems occur
Don’t Let Scammers Damage Your Business
Your reputation is too valuable to leave unprotected. These scams are designed to exploit your natural concern for your business image, but falling for them will cost you money and potentially expose you to further targeting.
Remember: legitimate reputation management never involves paying ransom to remove reviews or threats of further damage.
If you’re concerned about your business’s online security or want help setting up monitoring systems to protect against these scams, JCPIT offers a free security check for Australian small businesses. We’ll help you identify vulnerabilities and create a plan to keep your business safe from digital threats.
