How to Report Google Reviewers
Have you ever come across a reviewer on Google Maps who appeared... strange? Not merely a negative review, but a profile that shouts "spam" or "fake"? Although it's simple to report individual reviews, there are instances when dealing with the reviewer themself is necessary. Here, we'll show you how to directly report a Google reviewer's profile—a tool available only through the Google Maps mobile app.
Why Not Just the Review, But the Reviewer?
In order to understand the "how," let's first understand the "why." If you have any suspicions about a reviewer's profile, you should report it.
- Fake Accounts: Profiles made specifically to manipulate ratings are known as fake accounts.
- Spammer: Spamming is when reviewers submit promotional or unrelated stuff on several different websites.
- Harassment or Abuse: Profiles used to maliciously target companies or people are considered harassment or abuse.
- Bots or Automated Activity: Profiles displaying questionable, non-human behavior are known as bots or automated activity.
Important Note: The usual "report review" option is still the right one to use if you just don't agree with a review or think it's wrong. Only in circumstances of obvious misuse or manipulation may a reviewer's profile be reported.
Step-by-Step Guide (Mobile Google Maps App):
Here's how to use a mobile device to report a Google reviewer's profile:
- Open Google Maps: On your Android or iOS smartphone, open the Google Maps app.
- Find for the Company: Type in the company name where the dubious reviewer published their critique.
- Click on the Google Business Profile: To access the company's Google Business Profile, tap on the listing.
- Go to Reviews: Choose the "Reviews" section by scrolling down.
- Find the Reviewer: Locate the review that you want to report, then touch on the person's name or profile photo.
- Open the Options Menu: The reviewer's profile has a three-dot (ellipsis) menu in the upper right corner. Give it a tap.
- Report Profile: You'll find the "Report Profile" option on the menu. Give it a tap.
- Select a Cause: Choose the explanation that most accurately explains your decision to report the reviewer. Google offers choices such as "Spam," "Fake profile," and "Other."
- Send in Your Report: After completing any further instructions, turn in your report.
What Takes Place Following Reporting?
If Google determines that the reviewer's profile breaches their policies, they will examine your report and take the necessary action. This could entail deleting the profile or addressing the problem in some other way.