Google bans conflict of interest reviews
Google's policy says reviews must reflect a genuine customer experience. It specifically prohibits reviews from current or former employees, competitors, and anyone reviewing a business to hurt it or help another. These reviews qualify for removal — if you can show the connection.
How to tell it's an ex-employee or competitor
- The review mentions internal details only staff would know — rosters, pay, managers by name.
- It appeared soon after someone left or was let go.
- The reviewer's name or profile photo matches a former staff member.
- The profile has left five-star reviews for a competitor nearby.
- It came in a cluster with other one-star reviews.
Evidence that helps
- Screenshots of the review and the reviewer's full profile.
- Dates showing when employment ended.
- Proof the person was never a customer.
- Links between the reviewer and a competing business.
Keep private staff records private — you only need to show Google enough to prove the conflict, not publish anyone's details.
What not to do
Don't name the person in a public reply or threaten them. It can look like harassment and makes Google less likely to side with you. Reply briefly and professionally, or not at all, while the removal is in progress.
We handle conflict of interest cases every week. Send us the link for a free check — and you only pay once it's removed. See our Google review removal service.