NOTE: The source of this article is taken from our partners at AreTheyHappy.
Further information can be found here.
What is review blackmail?
As with all new technologies, they bring great opportunities and advantages for the majority of businesses, their teams and customers. However, there will always be a small minority of people with less than honest intentions, who attempt to take advantage of a bad experience.
However, when faced with this situation, there's no need to panic. What we must do instead, is become more knowledgeable and tech-savvy with respect to managing our online reputation.
What should I do when faced with Review Blackmail?
The good news is, that blackmail reviews are already well-mitigated. Review sites have responsive processes in place to protect against such threats.
What is important for me to know?
First and foremost, review sites are on your side. Blackmail reviews or threatening behaviour by customers against business owners is strictly AGAINST their guidelines and may also be illegal in many countries. Each site has policies in place for reporting abuse, so that's your first step.
Summary of Best practices to handle review blackmail
- Instruct employees to inform you of any guest blackmail threats they receive immediately.
- Report it as soon as possible.
- Include as many details as you can about the incident.
- Use a smart inbox that also notifies you of all negative reviews as soon as one is posted.
- If you report review blackmail after it has been posted, still write a response in the public area.
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions, please reach out by clicking the support chat box on the lower right side of your screen.
