How Google Detects Fake Reviews In 2025?

Why We Should Care About Fake Reviews

Hi there! If you run a small business, you’ll know how much online reviews matter. But did you know Google blocks hundreds of millions of fake reviews every year? These aren’t harmless—they skew customer opinions, damage trust, and hurt businesses like yours.

According to Google’s official blog, they removed over 170 million fake reviews in 2023—up 45% from the previous year. It’s clear they’re taking review spam seriously.

How Google Catches the Fakes – Simply Explained

1. Clever Software Scouts First

Think of Google’s review system like a smart guard dog. It uses AI and machine learning to sniff out unusual activity, such as:

• Loads of reviews from the same user in minutes
• Identical wording copied across reviews
• A sudden jump from no reviews to many five-star ones

These are red flags—and often, Google blocks them before anyone even sees them.

2. Spotting Copy-Paste Reviews

If someone copies and pastes glowing text as a template, Google’s tools pick that up. They look for repeated phrases or text used over and over.

3. Watching the Accounts Themselves

Google checks the reviewers, too. They look at things like:

• How old the account is
• Whether it’s only ever used to leave positive reviews
• If the IP address jumps around suspiciously

If an account looks fake or brand-new and reviews only your business, Google might flag or block it.

4. Human Eyes on the Job

All the AI filtering feeds into a team of real people whose job is to double-check if something seems off. That means Google doesn’t rely on robots alone—it’s a human + machine combo.

5. Photos & Media Under Scrutiny

Even if customers upload photos, Google scans those too. Are the images legit? No dodgy filters or hidden contact numbers? If anything looks suspicious, it’s flagged and often removed.

6. AI on High Alert in Real Time

Google’s AI is fast—detecting spam in seconds. Their smarter models now work in real time to keep bad actors out. These advancements are part of Google's broader updates around AI-powered review detection, as reported by Search Engine Land.

What Happens When Fake Reviews Are Detected?

Let’s keep it simple with a quick rundown:

Why This Matters to You

Fake reviews don’t just hurt competitors—they can backfire on honest businesses too. Google might accidentally flag your genuine reviews if they resemble spam. Worst case, you could lose customer trust or see your profile downgraded.

How to Keep Your Review Profile Honest and Strong

• Please real customers to leave feedback after each sale or job.
• Avoid shortcuts like buying reviews or incentivising only positive ones.
• Flag anything suspicious using the "Flag as inappropriate" option in your Google Business Profile.
• Monitor regularly and respond to both praise and criticism.

Real-World Data That Brings It Home

• In 2023 alone, Google blocked around 170 million fake reviews.
• That’s a 45% increase from the year before—showing the problem is growing fast.
• And yes, they’re keeping an eye on it—your business can take action too.

Quick Takeaways

• AI + people = Google’s system to protect users—and businesses.
• Tools scan reviews, accounts, and media for signs of fakery.
• Fake reviews are risky—they invite removal, suspensions, or even legal action.
• Stay proactive: invite real feedback, flag fakes, and respond like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Google remove fake reviews?

Often within minutes from posting, especially if the system flags them. More complex cases may take hours or days.

Can a competitor leave fake reviews about my business?

Unfortunately, yes. If you suspect this, promptly flag them via your business dashboard and add a polite response.

What if Google removes a genuine review by mistake?

It happens—but no worries: you can appeal through the Google Business Profile help page.

Are fake reviews illegal?

In many places, yes—like under UK consumer protection and US FTC rules. They’re not just against Google’s terms; they can break the law.

How do I flag a suspicious review?

Click the three-dot menu next to the review, choose “Flag as inappropriate,” and Google will investigate.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by fake reviews—or just want to build a rock-solid strategy—let's talk. At Buying Google Reviews, we help small businesses grow with ethical, effective review practices that stay on the right side of Google's rules.