Conflict of Interest Google Review Assistance
Google's policies say reviews should not be posted by people with a conflict of interest. That covers competitors, current or former employees, and people with a personal or commercial relationship that gives them a reason to harm the business. Evelon Digital assesses reviews that appear to come from someone with a stake, and helps you show the relationship clearly.
Not sure if a review qualifies? Try the free Google review eligibility checker.
What a conflict of interest looks like
A conflict of interest exists when the reviewer's motive comes from a relationship rather than a customer experience. Examples include a former business partner after a split, a landlord or tenant in a dispute, a supplier who wasn't paid on their terms, a relative after a family falling-out, or someone reviewing a rival they compete with for work.
The key is that the relationship can be shown. A suspicion that the reviewer "must be" a competitor is not enough. A profile showing they own the business across the road usually is relevant.
Common situations
- A former business partner, co-owner or investor reviewing the business after a separation.
- A neighbouring business or landlord posting during a lease or parking dispute.
- A supplier or subcontractor posting after a payment disagreement.
- A person in an active complaint, tribunal or court matter using a review as leverage.
- Friends or family of someone in a dispute posting on their behalf.
Possible policy concerns
These reviews fall mainly under Google's conflict-of-interest rules, which sit within its fake engagement policy. They may also overlap with harassment if the review targets individuals, or with off-topic content if it describes the dispute rather than a customer experience. For competitor-specific situations, see our competitor fake reviews guide.
Evidence that may be useful
- Public information linking the reviewer to a competing business, such as an ABN lookup, website or social profile.
- Contracts, leases, partnership documents or invoices showing the relationship.
- Tribunal, complaint or court references, with sensitive details removed.
- Correspondence showing the review was threatened or used as leverage.
- Timing: a review posted the day a dispute escalated.
How we handle conflict-of-interest reviews
We document the relationship carefully and explain in the report why the reviewer has a stake that disqualifies the review. We keep the report factual and avoid commentary on the dispute itself. Where a legal dispute is active, we recommend you keep your lawyer informed about any report lodged.
New and older reviews
A review posted during a live dispute is easiest to connect to that dispute. Older reviews can still be assessed if the relationship can be shown. Records of a partnership or contract don't go out of date.
Multiple reviews from connected people
Disputes often produce several reviews from the person involved, their family or their friends. Tell us how many reviews there are and their ages. Showing the connections across several reviews can make each individual report stronger.
Other negative Google reviews we handle
Each review is assessed on its own content and evidence. A possible policy breach does not guarantee removal — Google makes the final decision.
- Fake and fabricated reviews
Reviews describing a visit, purchase or job that never happened.
- Unfair one-star reviews
Low ratings with no text, or a rating that doesn't match the experience described.
- Competitor reviews
Ratings that appear to come from a rival business or people connected to one.
- Former employee and contractor reviews
Reviews about employment, pay or a contract dispute rather than a customer experience.
- Reviews from unidentified customers
Reviewers you cannot match to any booking, invoice or record.
- Abusive or threatening reviews
Harassment, slurs, threats or personal attacks on named staff.
- False and misleading allegations
Claims of illegality, fraud or unsafe practice that records contradict.
- Spam and promotional reviews
Links, advertising, repeated text or content unrelated to a real experience.
- Duplicate and coordinated reviews
Clusters of similar reviews posted in a short window, often from new accounts.
- Off-topic reviews
Commentary about politics, news, another business or anything but the experience.
- Reviews posted against the wrong business
Mistaken identity between similarly named or neighbouring businesses.
- Old negative reviews
Reviews 28 days old or more that still affect enquiries today.
- Recently posted negative reviews
Reviews under 28 days old, where acting early helps preserve evidence.
- Previously rejected removal requests
Reviews Google declined to remove after a first report.
- Reviews that have returned
Reviews that disappeared and were later reinstated.
How Evelon Digital's process works
- 1
Send the review details
Use the free assessment form or call 1300 182 204. Tell us how many reviews, whether each is new (under 28 days) or older, and add the links if you have them.
- 2
Receive your private pricing
Pricing is emailed privately straight after the enquiry. Nothing is charged at this stage.
- 3
Reply to approve
If you are happy to proceed, reply to the email. We then check every link and confirm the case.
- 4
Assessment and reporting
We match each review to Google's published content policies, prepare the supporting material and lodge the report through the appropriate channels.
- 5
Pay after the agreed work
No upfront removal payment. We notify you when the agreed work is completed and email the invoice. Google makes the final decision on every report.
Industries assisted
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does a competitor's review automatically breach Google's policy?
Our former business partner reviewed us. Is that a conflict of interest?
Can a tenant or landlord review be reported?
Will reporting the review affect our legal dispute?
Do I need links to start?
Get a Free Review Assessment
Tell us how many reviews and whether each is new or older. Links are optional — you can send them later. Your private pricing arrives by email straight away.