Reputation / 'We'll Post This' Review Extortion
A scammer threatens to flood a business with fake negative reviews or post damaging content unless the owner pays to make it stop.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A business owner is told that a wave of one-star reviews, a damaging post, or false complaints will be published unless they pay — or, conversely, that paying will 'remove' bad reviews. Sometimes a few fake negative reviews appear first as leverage. It preys on how much small businesses depend on their online reputation. Paying doesn't guarantee anything and invites repeat demands; platforms and legitimate reputation tools are the real recourse.
What it usually looks like
- A threat to post negative reviews or damaging content.
- An offer to 'remove' bad reviews for a fee.
- A few fake negatives as a warning.
- A payment demand to stop.
Common warning signs
- Pay-or-we-post-reviews threats.
- Offers to remove reviews for money.
- Sudden fake negative reviews.
- Crypto or off-the-books payment demands.
Example wording scammers use
“Pay $500 or we'll leave 50 one-star reviews and post about your business everywhere.”
“We can remove those bad reviews for a fee — pay to protect your rating.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Extortion payments.
- To exploit reputation fears.
- Repeat demands.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Do not pay; document the threats and any fake reviews.
- Report fake reviews to the platform for removal.
- Respond professionally to reviews; use legitimate reputation management.
- Consult an attorney if threats persist.
What to do if you already responded
- If you are overwhelmed or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) — it is free, 24/7, and confidential.
- Stop paying; report to the review platforms and the FTC.
- Preserve all evidence for the platform and, if needed, counsel.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.