Rebuilding Brooklyn
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
Taking Action
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Kane in Your Corner: Scammers target small businesses with fake online reviews

Google says it uses advanced technology to detect fake reviews, but some experts are skeptical.

News 12 Staff

Dec 8, 2025, 7:05 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Small businesses across the tri-state area are being hit by a new scam involving fake online reviews.

A Kane in Your Corner investigation found scammers are posting dozens of negative reviews and then demanding money to remove them, according to investigators.

Google says it uses advanced technology to detect fake reviews, but some experts are skeptical.

Kay Dean, an online review fraud investigator, said businesses worldwide are being targeted. "Essentially Google has a whack-a-mole approach to this really global problem. It's really inadequate," Dean said.

Experts say even when fake reviews are removed, scammers can hide their history and continue extorting more businesses.

Google did not respond to a request for comment.

MORE INFO: Fake Review Watch

More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices