Google has introduced a new reporting feature on Google Maps, known as the Google Maps extortion tool, to help businesses identify and report review-based extortion attempts—a growing cyber-enabled threat where attackers post fake negative reviews and demand payment to remove them.
According to Google, the tool aims to curb the rise of review bombing, a tactic used by scammers to manipulate public perception and pressure businesses into compliance. The company’s Vice President of Trust & Safety, Laurie Richardson, said that malicious actors are increasingly exploiting review systems to carry out these digital extortion schemes.
A Targeted Response to Review Bombing
The new dedicated reporting form will allow business owners to flag coordinated fake review campaigns and extortion attempts directly to Google’s moderation team. The Google Maps extortion tool plays a key role in routing such reports for faster review.
“Bad actors try to circumvent our moderation systems and flood a business’s profile with fake one-star reviews,” Richardson explained. “After the initial attack, the scammers contact the business through third-party apps, demanding payment to stop further damage.” The statement aligns with the growing need for tools like the Google Maps extortion tool to protect businesses.
These attacks can significantly affect a business’s visibility and credibility online. Once targeted, business owners often face escalating threats if they refuse to pay. Google’s new system aims to ensure faster review validation and quicker removal of inauthentic feedback through the Google Maps extortion tool.
This initiative reflects Google’s broader efforts to enhance digital trust and safety, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that rely heavily on online reviews for growth.
Growing Landscape of Cyber-Enabled Scams
The announcement comes as Google warns users about a surge in online fraud campaigns exploiting consumer trust and new technologies. The company highlighted several prevalent scams that continue to affect individuals and businesses alike:
- Online job scams, where attackers impersonate legitimate employers or job boards to collect personal data through fake applications or interviews. These schemes often involve malware such as remote access trojans (RATs) and information stealers.
- AI product impersonation scams, where fraudsters mimic popular AI tools using fake websites or social media ads. Victims are lured into downloading trojanized apps, “fleeceware” subscriptions, or malicious browser extensions.
- Malicious VPN apps and extensions, distributed through fake security advertisements that claim to offer privacy protection. Once installed, these apps can steal personal data or even drain cryptocurrency wallets.
- Fraud recovery scams, where victims of prior scams are re-targeted by fraudsters posing as asset recovery agents from trusted institutions.
- Seasonal shopping scams, which rise during major holidays and shopping events, using fake deals on social media to steal payment details.
Google advised users to download apps only from trusted sources, avoid sharing sensitive information online, and verify messages or emails that request payment or credentials. These protective measures complement the purpose of the Google Maps extortion tool.
A Broader Cybersecurity Challenge
The move by Google coincides with ongoing industry-wide challenges related to online fraud and misinformation. A Reuters investigation recently revealed that major social media platforms, including Meta, are struggling to contain fraudulent advertising content — further underscoring why tools like the Google Maps extortion tool matter.
The report suggested that scam-related ads could account for up to 10% of Meta’s ad revenue, with high-value accounts managing to bypass enforcement systems. While Meta disputed the figure, stating that the estimate was “overly inclusive,” it confirmed that over 134 million scam ads had been removed in 2025.
The rise in such deceptive online behavior underscores the urgent need for coordinated cybersecurity responses among tech companies. Google’s addition of the Google Maps extortion tool reflects this growing need.
By introducing the new Google Maps extortion tool, Google aims to provide businesses with a direct defense mechanism against digital extortion while reinforcing its commitment to protecting online ecosystems from malicious manipulation.
With review-based scams becoming a persistent threat, the initiative signals a proactive step toward restoring authenticity and trust in online business interactions.
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