Reading list: Trustpilot Fake Reviews: How to Spot, Report, and Remove Them
Online reviews play a major role in shaping customer trust, influencing buying decisions, and building a brand’s overall reputation. Among all review platforms, Trustpilot stands out as one of the most widely used spaces for genuine customer feedback. However, like any open review site, it also faces the problem of fake, misleading, or malicious reviews. These harmful reviews can negatively affect a business, reducing credibility and driving potential customers away. Therefore, understanding how to identify, report, and remove fake reviews on Trustpilot is essential for maintaining a clean and trustworthy brand image.

Many businesses today struggle with trustpilot fake reviews that are posted by competitors, disgruntled individuals, or automated bots. These reviews often do not reflect actual customer experiences and can harm your online reputation if not addressed quickly. Fake reviews can lead to confusion among potential customers, lower your Trustpilot rating, and weaken the confidence that your audience has in your brand. The sooner a business recognizes and manages these misleading reviews, the better it can protect its digital credibility and maintain customer trust.

How to Spot Fake Reviews on Trustpilot

Identifying fake reviews becomes easier when you know the common signs. While some fake reviews are obvious, others appear professional and convincing. Here are indicators to look for:

1. Overly Generic or Vague Content

Fake reviews often lack details. They might say things like “Bad service” or “Terrible company” without mentioning what actually happened. Genuine reviewers usually describe specific experiences.

2. Suspicious Reviewer Profiles

Accounts with no profile picture, no previous reviews, or multiple reviews posted within minutes may be fake or bot-generated.

3. Extreme Ratings With No Reason

Both very negative and excessively positive reviews might be suspicious if they contain little context. A sudden spike in negative reviews could indicate review bombing.

4. Repetitive Language

If several reviews use the same wording or structure, they may have been copy-pasted or generated by the same person.

5. Mismatched Information

If the review mentions a product or service your business doesn't offer, it’s likely fake.

How to Report Fake Trustpilot Reviews

Once you identify suspicious reviews, Trustpilot offers a transparent process for reporting them:

1. Use the ‘Flag’ Feature

Each review has an option to “Flag as inappropriate.” Businesses can flag reviews that violate Trustpilot’s guidelines, such as false information, hate speech, or content from non-customers.

2. Provide Evidence

When reporting, submit any supporting proof like receipts, customer records, or communication logs showing the reviewer never interacted with your business.

3. Trustpilot’s Moderation Review

After submission, Trustpilot’s compliance team reviews the flagged content. If the review breaks their rules, it will be removed.

4. Respond Professionally

Even if you’re waiting for Trustpilot to take action, publicly responding helps maintain transparency and professionalism. It shows customers you take feedback seriously.

How to Remove Fake Reviews Permanently

If Trustpilot does not remove the fake review immediately, you can take additional steps:

1. Contact Trustpilot Support

Reach out directly to their support team with detailed proof supporting your claim.

2. Ask the Reviewer for Clarification

If the review seems to be a misunderstanding, politely request additional details. Many fake reviewers won’t respond—which strengthens your case.

3. Seek Legal Assistance (If Defamatory)

If the review contains false accusations, defamation, or harmful statements intended to damage your business, legal action may be necessary.

4. Work With Professional ORM Agencies

Expert Online Reputation Management (ORM) companies specialize in reviewing, monitoring, and removing fake or non-compliant reviews. They help ensure your online reputation remains clean and trustworthy.

Protecting Your Business From Future Fake Reviews

Prevention is just as important as removal. Encourage genuine customers to leave honest reviews, monitor your Trustpilot profile regularly, and maintain transparent communication with your audience. The stronger your real customer feedback is, the less impact fake reviews will have on your overall reputation.