In this guide, we’ll explain why paying for reviews is risky, what Google expects from businesses, and how to improve your Google rating the right way - with long-term, sustainable results.
Collecting genuine feedback takes time - and it can feel like a slow process. If you're not actively asking for reviews, you may end up with too few, or worse, mostly negative ones.
That’s why some businesses turn to shortcuts like buying reviews. In fact, "buy Google reviews" is a common search term, proving that the demand is real.
But there’s a better way.
No. In many countries, paying for fake reviews is illegal.
For example:
Violations can lead to fines, legal action, and serious damage to your credibility.
It may sound extreme, but Google customer feedback is all about giving consumers a voice and improving a business's trust and reputation. Buying fake reviews destroys all that.
Google takes fake reviews seriously. It considers them a form of fake engagement, which violates its content policies.
Google’s algorithms are designed to detect patterns in fraudulent reviews - such as language issues, irregular activity, and location mismatches. When detected, reviews may be removed, and businesses could see their visibility in local search results drop significantly.
In 2025, Google committed to stronger anti-fake review measures following pressure from regulators like the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. Businesses that post or benefit from fake reviews may now:
These updates are part of broader efforts to meet new legal standards like the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which makes fake or undisclosed incentivised reviews a legal offence with major penalties.
Bottom line: fake reviews aren’t just risky - they’re now under serious global enforcement.
Yes - here’s how:
Short-term gains aren’t worth long-term losses.
The key is consistency and authenticity. Here’s how to do it right:
By using a Google Licensed review partner like REVIEWS.io, you ensure compliance while making it simple to scale review collection.
It starts with excellent service - but the second step is asking for feedback. Did you know that:
That’s a huge opportunity. With the right tools, you can engage your happiest customers and grow your review count the right way.
The key, then, is not to buy fraudulent testimonials but perhaps to sign up for a review platform like REVIEWS.io. We make it easy to contact your past and present customers and request feedback.
All the collected ratings can then be sent to Google, boosting your review tally and improving your score.
Buying reviews might seem like an easy fix, but it’s a dangerous move. Instead, invest in a long-term strategy that builds trust with your audience, boosts your online visibility, and keeps you compliant with Google’s guidelines.
A solid review collection process doesn’t just protect your reputation - it helps it grow.
Want to build a strong Google presence the right way? Book a demo and see how REVIEWS.io can help.
Yes. It’s free to leave and view reviews on Google. Businesses don’t pay to collect or show them.
Click the three dots next to the review and choose “Report Review.” You can also report fake reviews through Google’s Business Redressal Form.
Not directly. But good reviews can improve trust, drive traffic, and boost sales.
Yes. Google uses machine learning to spot and remove fake or suspicious reviews.
