---
title: "Review extortion: what to save and report | ReviShield"
description: "If someone demands payment to stop or remove reviews, do not pay. Preserve the messages and use the official route. We help organise the evidence."
url: https://revishield.com/review-extortion-help
updated: 2026-11-07
---

Review extortion

# Someone demands money over reviews? Do not pay. Keep the evidence.

We organise the evidence with you and prepare what Google’s official extortion form asks for. Do not pay and do not negotiate: Google advises against both, and paying can bring more attempts. If anyone’s safety is at risk, contact local emergency services or the police straight away. The platform makes the final decision.

[Get help organising the evidence](https://revishield.com/tools/review-check?typ=lp-extortion)

Free and without obligation.

## What to do first

### Save messages in their original form

Take screenshots of every demand, including email, WhatsApp, Telegram and social media messages, so that dates, times and sender details are visible.

### Record the timeline

Note when the spike in reviews began and when the demand arrived. Add direct links to the suspicious reviews and any names, usernames, phone numbers or profiles used.

### Use the official route

Google has a separate form for this, and it is only for direct demands. We prepare what it asks for, so you can act quickly without hunting for details.

### Hold back in public

A public accusation before the facts are checked can make things worse. If you reply at all, keep it short and factual.

Want the detail first? [Review extortion: what to do, step by step](https://revishield.com/blog/review-extortion-what-to-do).

## Evidence worth collecting

- Screenshots of every demand, with date, time and sender
- Direct links to the suspicious reviews
- Names, usernames, emails, phone numbers or social profiles used
- A short timeline: when the spike began and when the demand came

[Get help organising the evidence](https://revishield.com/tools/review-check?typ=lp-extortion)

## What you can rely on

- We keep you out of any bargaining: we work with your evidence and the official form, and we leave the sender and the reviewers alone.
- We promise clear, well-organised evidence for the official route.
- If you want to take legal steps, we prepare the documents for your independent lawyer, who gives the legal advice.
- We use the Google form for direct demands, and we help you with a different approach if a wave comes with no demand.

## Common questions

### Should I pay to stop the reviews?

No. Google says not to respond to or pay the people making the demands. Paying can bring more attempts, and nothing says the reviews will go.

### Does this only apply to Google?

Google has a dedicated extortion form. On Trustpilot, a review containing threats can be flagged as harmful or illegal content. Either way, keep the evidence and do not pay.

### Can I go to the police as well?

Yes, and a threat to anyone’s safety belongs there first. An independent lawyer can advise you on any further legal step.

## Related situations

- [A sudden wave of bad reviews](https://revishield.com/sudden-wave-negative-reviews)
- [Private details or threats in a review](https://revishield.com/review-personal-information-threats)
- [Removing a Google review](https://revishield.com/remove-negative-google-review)

## Official sources, checked on 7 November 2026

- [Google: report negative review extortion scams](https://support.google.com/business/answer/16404809?hl=en)
- [Trustpilot: Guidelines for Businesses, version 7.3](https://corporate.trustpilot.com/legal/for-businesses/guidelines-for-businesses)