Google Review Extortion Scams… What Garage Door Contractors Need to Know (From Barry at Door & Gate Domination)
Over the past year, I’ve seen more garage door companies get hit with fake 1-star reviews than ever before, and many of these attacks are part of an extortion scam. Someone floods your Google Business Profile with negative reviews and then reaches out demanding money to remove them.
Most guys don’t even know how to handle this, so I want to break it down clearly for you. The good news? Google finally released an official review-extortion reporting form, and we’re seeing it actually work.
Here’s what you need to know.
Real Examples of the Form Working
A business recently shared that after using the new form, Google removed all the fake 1-star reviews; and the scammer never got paid. Same thing happened to another business: they submitted the case one morning, and by the next day Google wiped out all 11 fake reviews.
This is the first time we’ve seen Google take fast action on something that used to take weeks (if they did anything at all).
A Few Lessons You Need to Know
These insights come not just from the article, but from what we’ve seen managing marketing for contractors:
1. Do NOT respond to the fake reviews right away.
When you reply, the scammer gets notified — and that tells them, “This one cares… this one will probably pay.”
Stay quiet. Don’t give them leverage.
2. Google needs proof of extortion.
This is the annoying part: to get the reviews removed, you need evidence.
That means you may need to let the scammer message you until they clearly say:
“Pay me and I’ll remove the reviews.”
Once they make that demand, that’s your “smoking gun.”
3. Google won’t delete the attacker’s accounts every time, but they WILL remove the reviews.
The goal is to protect your business reputation, not chase down the person behind it.
Your Action Plan (Every Garage Door Contractor Should Save This)
✔ 1. Don’t reply to suspicious reviews — stay silent.
Responding encourages the attacker.
✔ 2. Wait to see if someone contacts you demanding money.
Screenshot everything.
✔ 3. Save any emails, texts, or DMs that mention payment.
This is the evidence Google requires.
✔ 4. Submit the case through Google’s extortion reporting form.
This form is finally making a difference.
✔ 5. Keep generating real reviews.
The stronger your profile, the less damage these attacks do.
✔ 6. Never, ever pay a scammer.
They don’t stop — they just come back for more.
Final Thoughts
Running a garage door business is tough enough without worrying about scammers attacking your reputation. The good news is that Google is finally stepping up with tools that work, but you must follow the right process.
If you ever get hit with fake reviews or an extortion attempt, reach out to me directly. We handle this stuff all the time for our clients, and I’ll walk you through it step by step.