It can be frustrating to see a negative review of your business, but it can be even more infuriating to know that it’s fake reviews that are dragging down your reputation. There are a few ways to deal with this problem though. If those methods don’t work, an Atlanta defamation lawyer can tell you if you have legal recourse.
Can I Report Fake Reviews?
You can report fake reviews to platforms like Google. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be removed though. It needs to be clear that the review you reported was fake or malicious in nature. This can be tough to prove definitively. If a review isn’t taken down, it might be worthwhile to respond to it.
Should I Really Respond Publicly to Fake Reviews?
This may seem like a waste of time, but responding to any fake reviews that you see might actually be helpful. Simply posting “This is fake!” isn’t necessarily the way to go though. Instead, you can respond in a way that shows that this testimonial was probably not left by an actual customer.
There are a few ways to poke holes in a story told in one of these reviews. The reviewer might mention a menu item or service that you do not offer. They might say that they came in on a certain day, but you were actually closed that day. You should take some time and figure out the best way to politely say that the review could not possibly be accurate.
Keep in mind that some of these bad reviews might not be fake. They could be real people who are just confusing you with another business. They could also be actual customers who did have a bad experience. Being courteous can pay off here. You may be able to convince someone to take their negative review down. You can also show other customers and potential customers that you are willing to take feedback and improve. A few negative reviews do not need to drag your business down.
Is Taking Legal Action Necessary?
It may be. If fake reviews aren’t removed and you can show that someone is purposefully posting them to ruin your reputation, that may be grounds for a lawsuit. You can argue that these actions are directly harming your business and its reputation. If you are losing potential customers because of a false review or multiple fabricated testimonials, it may be necessary to figure out if the legal system can be of assistance.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you think that these fake reviews are worth taking legal action over, contact AB Law to schedule a consultation. We can give you our professional opinion and let you know if you have some legal options here. If we think that someone is actively trying to slander and defame you, we’re ready to help you build a compelling case against them.
