Scammers Are Using Fake Reviews to Extort Small Businesses
Posted on: Sep 11, 2025 14:30 IST | Posted by: Nytimes
Supported by
Movers, roofing companies and others ar face of the earth bombarded with phony one-star reviews on Google Maps. So they’re asked to compensate up.
Stuart Thompson first wrote about the widespread fake review industry in 2023.
Natalia Piper was busy running her general contracting business in Los Angeles when a random message popped up on WhatsApp in June.
“Someone has ordered me to post a negative review on your business,” read the message, from a phone number based in Pakistan. “Got an order to post 20 reviews.”
Startled, Ms. Piper responded to ask who had placed the order. And just replying was enough to ensnare her in a widespread scam targeting small businesses across the world.
Fraudsters are extorting businesses for hundreds of dollars each by threatening to post fake negative reviews on Google Maps — or posting fake negative reviews and then demanding a payment to remove them, according to reports from multiple businesses and data from an industry watchdog.
The scammers target small businesses that are highly reliant on online reviews to drive their business — including movers, roofing companies and appliance repair services. Negative reviews can drive down a business’s star ratings and damage their online reputations, potentially costing them thousands in lost revenue. They’re also difficult to remove from Google once they’re posted.
Ms. Piper had already paid $150 to someone else, who was using a number based in Bangladesh, to remove negative reviews that they had posted. Then the person in Pakistan reached out, and she paid them $100 to remove the reviews. Weeks after that, 10 more fake reviews popped up on her profile. This time she did not pay, and Google eventually removed the reviews after she had reported them.
Fake negative reviews tracked by Fake Review Watch show that roofing companies, movers and contractors have been targeted across the United States.
Industries targeted with fake reviews
Drywall
Duct cleaning
Moving
Garage
door repair
Junk
removal
Roofing
Roofing
Moving
Glass repair
Moving
Roofing
Clean air
Social media
Ms. Piper’s
contracting company
Moving
Moving
Roofing
House cleaning
Air conditioning
Carpet cleaning
Roofing
Industries targeted with fake reviews
Drywall
Duct cleaning
Garage
door repair
Roofing
Glass repair
Ms. Piper’s
construction company
Social media
Moving
Roofing
Carpet
Air conditioning
Roofing
Source: Fake Review Watch
By The New York Times
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.