Former Client Generating Fake Reviews

[Shelly]

About 2 years ago I had a Local SEO client in the senior services industry that I advised should generate reviews. At they time, they said they would try and they were only able to get 2-3 reviews, admiting it was too challenging for their community members or their families to leave reviews.

Fast forward to now, and both of their facilities are getting a 5 star review about every other day. To me, I know these are clearly fake, not just because I worked with this organization but also because of how they are written (client name redacted, all from only 1 of their 2 profiles/locations):

Is there anything that can be done to remove these reviews? I don't want to be vindictive, however it is sketchy local SEO organizations that do things like fake reviews that cause harm in our industry. I do not want the client back, I just don't like seeing the lies in our small community. Especially in this sensitive industry.
Open to suggestions.

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Hi Shelly, for some reason that is super common in that industry and it's probably related to the challenge that you mentioned

I would start with educating them about some of the review penalties that Google is starting to issue. We did a quick short on what we are calling "review jail". Hope that helps.

 

[Shelly]

Hi Shelly, for some reason that is super common in that industry and it's probably related to the challenge that you mentioned

I would start with educating them about some of the review penalties that Google is starting to issue. We did a quick short on what we are calling "review jail". Hope that helps.

Thanks, Colan. I watched this yesterday when it came out in the Sterling Sky newsletter and thought about how it parallels my situation. Hopefully, I will be able to get them to understand this is the wrong approach.

I appreciate the follow-up as always!

 

[keyserholiday]

I ended up reporting 26 reviews between the two GBPs. Thank you, @Shelly, for emailing me!!!