The Hidden Danger of Fake Reviews and Scam Calls: A Wake-Up Call for Local Businesses
- Sammy
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
The Problem No One Talks About
If you run a small business, you probably know how much effort goes into earning every genuine review.
But what happens when a fake review suddenly appears — written by someone you’ve never met or served?
That’s what many honest business owners are now facing online.
For example, a 1-star review can appear overnight, with no real name, no job details, and no explanation. Then, a few days later, a scam caller or online “expert” contacts the business, claiming they can fix or remove the review — for a fee.
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How the Scam Works
1. A fake review is posted to damage your reputation.
2. Shortly after, someone calls pretending to be from “Google support” or a “review removal team.”
3. They say they can “delete” or “fix” your reviews if you pay a certain amount.
4. Once you pay once, they often keep coming back — asking for more money.
⚠️ Important: Google never charges to remove reviews. Anyone who says they can delete reviews for money is lying.
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Why Fake Reviews Hurt Real People
For small, honest businesses like AMZ Locksmith — a trusted [local locksmith in West London]http://www.amzlocksmith.co.uk— fake reviews aren’t just annoying. They can hurt reputation, trust, and even future jobs.
When a potential customer sees a 1-star review, they may hesitate to call, even if the review is false.
That’s why it’s so important to speak up, educate the public, and make people aware of these tactics.
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What You Can Do if It Happens
Report the fake review to Google:
Collect screenshots of any scam messages or calls.
Never pay anyone who promises to “remove” reviews.
Ask genuine customers to support your business with real feedback.
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Message to the Public
When you search online for a service — whether it’s a locksmith, plumber, or cleaner — remember that not all reviews are real.
Always read carefully: does the review mention a real situation or specific details? Or does it look like a copy-paste message written by someone who never used the service?
If something looks off, it probably is.
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Standing Up for Honesty
At AMZ Locksmith, we believe that reputation should be built on real work, real customers, and real reviews.
That’s why we don’t charge hidden fees, and we never play games with fake feedback.
You can always learn more about our transparent prices and trusted service at
---The Hidden Danger of Fake Reviews and Scam Calls: A Wake-Up Call for Local Businesses
Final Thought
The internet can be powerful — but only when people use it responsibly.
Let’s work together to protect genuine businesses and stop scammers who try to profit from fake reviews.
If you ever see this happening, share this post and help spread awareness.
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