The Truth About Fake Google Reviews in Canada
How Canadian businesses can spot, report and respond to fake Google reviews — and keep their own review process clear of the practices the Competition Bureau has warned against.
Fake reviews hurt honest businesses twice: fake praise for competitors distorts the comparison, and fake negative reviews can damage a reputation you worked hard for. In Canada, the Competition Bureau has warned businesses that fake reviews, including reviews by employees that don't disclose the relationship, can breach the Competition Act's deceptive marketing provisions. Google's own policy also prohibits fake, incentivised and conflict-of-interest reviews. The practical response is to spot suspicious reviews early, report them through the right channels, reply calmly, and keep your own process clean.
How to Spot a Suspicious Review on Your Profile
No single sign proves a review is fake, but several together are worth a closer look. Check the reviewer's profile and compare the review with your own records.
- A brand-new reviewer profile with little or no other review history
- Vague wording that doesn't mention anything specific to your business, staff or services
- Several similar negative reviews arriving close together after a quiet period
- Phrasing that matches reviews on other businesses' profiles
- A visit or purchase you can't find in your bookings, invoices or sales records
How to Report Fake Reviews in Canada
Start with Google, keep evidence, and escalate only where it's warranted. Reply once, politely, so other readers see a calm response.
Flag the review in Google Business Profile (open the review, use the menu and choose to report it), selecting the policy reason that fits best.
Keep screenshots with dates and a note of why you believe the review is fake, such as no matching record of the visit.
Check the status of your report using Google's review management tools, and appeal if the decision seems wrong.
If you believe another business is behind a pattern of fake reviews, you can file a complaint with the Competition Bureau through competitionbureau.gc.ca.
Post one calm, professional reply — for example, that you can't find a record of the visit and invite the reviewer to contact you directly.
Protect your own profile: never post reviews yourself, ask staff, friends or family to review, buy reviews, or offer rewards for them. Google's policy treats these as fake or conflict-of-interest content, and the Competition Bureau has warned about undisclosed employee reviews. This is general information, not legal advice.
The best long-term defence is a steady flow of genuine reviews from real customers, so a single fake review stands out against a clear picture of your business. Ask every customer the same way, make the review page easy to reach with an NFC Google review card, and read how to train staff to ask for reviews ethically.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Are fake Google reviews illegal in Canada?
The Competition Bureau has warned that fake reviews, including reviews by employees that don't disclose the relationship, can breach the Competition Act's deceptive marketing provisions. Google's policy also prohibits them.
How long does Google take to remove a fake review?
It varies, and Google doesn't remove every reported review. Clear evidence, such as no record of the visit, makes your report easier to assess.
Can I take legal action over fake reviews?
Depending on the facts, there may be legal options. Speak with a Canadian lawyer if you suspect a coordinated fake-review campaign; this is general information, not legal advice.
Do NFC Google review cards cause problems with Google's review filters?
A card simply opens your public review page; the customer writes and posts the review from their own Google Account. Use it for every customer, with no incentives and no staff reviews.
What if Google won't remove a fake review?
Appeal through Google's review management tools if you think the decision is wrong, post a calm reply, and keep evidence. If you suspect another business is responsible, you can complain to the Competition Bureau or take legal advice.
Can a competitor leave fake negative reviews about my business?
It can happen. Check your reviews regularly, report any that break Google's policy and reply calmly so readers see your side.
Will I be penalized if someone posts a fake review about my business?
Being the target of a fake review isn't a policy breach by you. Buying, writing or arranging fake reviews is, and it can lead to reviews being removed and action against your profile.
Should I reply publicly to a suspicious review?
Yes, briefly and politely. For example: 'We can't find a record of this visit. Please contact us so we can look into it.'
Do fake positive reviews help?
They put your profile at risk. Google removes fake reviews it detects, and in several countries fake reviews are now illegal.
How can I show a review is fake?
Compare the reviewer's name, date and description with your booking or sales records, and keep screenshots. Include that context when you report it.
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