A Competitor Is Leaving Fake Google Reviews: What to Do
A run of 1-star reviews from people who were never your customers, and a rival who seems to be doing suspiciously well. Fake reviews from competitors break Google’s rules and UK law. Here is how to prove it and get them dealt with.
What to do about competitor fake reviews: the short answer
If a competitor is leaving fake Google reviews, collect evidence first: screenshots, reviewer profiles, dates and proof the reviewers were never customers. Reply calmly to each review, then report it to Google as a conflict of interest or fake engagement. Follow up through Google’s review management tool, escalate the full pattern, and take legal advice for serious campaigns. Never retaliate.
- Competitor reviews break Google’s policies
- Fake reviews are banned under UK law since April 2025
- Patterns persuade Google more than single reviews
- Retaliating puts your own listing at risk
Is a competitor allowed to review your business?
No. Google’s policies for reviews on Maps prohibit fake engagement, which includes posting negative content on a competitor’s listing to damage its reputation, and conflicts of interest, which include competitors reviewing each other. One person posting from several accounts is also banned.
In the UK, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has also banned submitting or commissioning fake reviews since 6 April 2025. Fake negative reviews about a rival can therefore break both Google’s rules and consumer law.
Signs a competitor is leaving fake Google reviews
One unfair review proves little. A pattern is what convinces Google. Look for several of these together.
| Signal | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Timing | Several 1-star reviews in a short burst, often after no reviews for weeks |
| Reviewer history | New profiles with no photo, few reviews, or reviews only of businesses in your sector |
| Competitor pattern | The same profiles give 5 stars to a nearby competitor |
| Details | Services you do not offer, staff who do not exist, dates you were closed |
| Wording | Similar phrases, spelling mistakes or structure across different reviews |
| No record | No booking, order, call or visit matching the review |
Be careful before naming anyone. Suspicion is not proof, and publicly accusing a named competitor without solid evidence can expose you to legal risk.
What to do when a competitor leaves fake Google reviews
Collect evidence before anything changes
Screenshot every review, reviewer profile and the competitor’s listing with dates. Note links between the accounts.
Check your own records
Search bookings, orders, calls and CCTV logs for each reviewer, so you can say confidently there is no match.
Reply calmly to each review
A short public reply such as “We have no record of you as a customer. Please contact us at [email] so we can look into this” reassures readers.
Report each review to Google
From your Business Profile, report the review and choose the policy it breaks, such as conflict of interest or fake engagement.
Follow up through Google’s review management tool
Check the status of each report and, if a review is not removed, request a further review with your evidence.
Escalate if the pattern continues
Contact Google Business Profile support with the full pattern of accounts and dates, not single reviews.
Consider legal and regulatory routes
For serious, sustained campaigns, take advice from a solicitor. False statements that cause serious financial loss may be actionable, and fake reviews can be reported to Trading Standards.
What not to do, however tempting
It breaks Google’s rules and UK law, and can get your own listing restricted.
Reviews from people who are not real customers are fake engagement too.
Without proof, this can be defamatory and makes you look unprofessional.
Mass-reporting real reviews damages your credibility with Google.
Make your listing harder to damage
- Ask every genuine customer for an honest review
- Reply to every review, positive and negative
- Keep booking and order records you can check quickly
- Set up alerts for new reviews
- Keep your Business Profile details complete and accurate
- Build reviews on other trusted platforms too
A steady flow of genuine reviews means a handful of fake ones has much less effect on your rating. Read our guide on how to respond to a negative Google review.
Get fake competitor reviews removed
United Press has helped businesses deal with fake reviews since 2001. We analyse the pattern, build the evidence and handle reports and escalations with Google, so you can get back to running your business.
Google review removal
Fake and rule-breaking reviews removed. Full refund if a review we take on is not removed. See remove Google reviews.
UK review removal service
Specialist support for UK businesses. See our Google review removal service UK.
Reputation management
Reviews, search and AI answers. See Google reputation management.
Local businesses
For clinics, shops and trades. See local business reputation.
Competitor fake reviews: frequently asked questions
Can a competitor leave a review on my Google Business Profile?
No. Google’s policies treat reviews from competitors as a conflict of interest, and posting negative content on a competitor’s listing to damage its reputation is fake engagement. These reviews can be reported for removal.
How do I prove a review is from a competitor?
Look for patterns: bursts of reviews, new or linked profiles, reviewers who praise a nearby rival, details that do not match your business and no matching customer record. Screenshots and records of these patterns make your report much stronger.
How do I report a fake Google review?
Open the review from your Business Profile, choose to report it and select the policy it breaks. Then use Google’s review management tool to track the report and request a further review if needed.
Are fake reviews illegal in the UK?
Yes. Since 6 April 2025, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has banned submitting or commissioning fake reviews, among other review practices. Platform rules apply as well.
Can I sue a competitor for fake reviews?
Possibly. False statements that cause serious financial loss to a business may support a claim, but the position depends on the facts and evidence. Take advice from a solicitor before acting.
Should I reply to a fake review?
Yes, briefly and politely, saying you have no record of them and inviting them to get in touch. Readers will see you handled it professionally while Google reviews your report.
How long does Google take to remove fake reviews?
It varies from days to weeks, depending on the evidence and the volume of reports. Read our guide on how long Google takes to remove a fake review for more detail.
Can United Press remove fake competitor reviews?
We analyse the pattern, build evidence and handle reports and escalations with Google, with a full refund if a review we take on is not removed.
Play fair, and make sure others do too.
You built your reputation one honest customer at a time. Nobody should be able to tear it down with fake accounts. With evidence and patience, you can protect what you have earned.