How to Handle a Fake or Unfair Review

30 June 2026·1 min read

Quick answer: For a fake or unfair review, stay calm and don’t fire back. Respond professionally and factually for other readers, report it to the platform if it breaches guidelines (fake, abusive, or not a real customer), and keep building genuine reviews to outweigh it. One unfair review rarely defines you — a measured response and a strong overall rating protect your reputation. 💖

A fake review feels personal, but how you respond is what everyone else sees. Stay measured. 💖

How to handle it

Don’t react angrily — never fire back
Respond factually — calm, for other readers
Report it — if it breaches guidelines
Keep earning reviews — outweigh the bad one
Let it go — one review rarely defines you

💡 Your reply is the real message. You may not get a fake review removed quickly — but a calm, professional reply tells every future reader who you really are. Reacting with anger does more damage than the fake review itself.

Frequently asked questions

How do I handle a fake review?

Stay calm: respond professionally and factually for other readers, report it to the platform if it breaches guidelines, and keep building genuine reviews to outweigh it. Don’t fire back — your measured reply is what others see.

Can I get a fake review removed?

Sometimes — if it breaches the platform’s guidelines (fake, abusive, or not from a real customer), you can report it for removal. It isn’t guaranteed or fast, so respond professionally in the meantime.

Should I respond to a fake review?

Yes — calmly and factually, for the benefit of everyone else reading. Don’t get defensive or angry. A measured, professional reply protects your reputation more than the fake review can damage it.

Keep reading 🤍

Written by

Kate, founder of Chronically Online

I help Gold Coast and Brisbane businesses grow with branding, websites and marketing that actually works.

Work with me ✦