Review Blackmail via Google Maps

Scammers are mass‑posting or threatening fake one‑star reviews to extort small firms that rely on Google ratings. Many operate overseas via WhatsApp, demanding hundreds of dollars per hit, while victims report Google removes some fraud but lacks a direct support channel when under attack. — It exposes a platform‑governance gap where essential commercial reputations can be hijacked, suggesting the need for liability, verification, and rapid redress mechanisms.