How to Detect Fake Google Reviews (and What to Do About Them)
- AWOL Greg
- Oct 25
- 4 min read
Let’s be honest: most of us check reviews before we pick where to eat. But here’s the problem — not all of them are real.
Whether it’s a glowing 5-star with zero detail or a brutal 1-star with no record of ever visiting, fake reviews are everywhere, especially on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor.
For diners, that means wasting money on overrated meals.For small hospitality businesses, it can mean unfair damage to your reputation — or losing bookings to competitors gaming the system.
Here’s how to spot fake reviews, and why verified feedback matters more than ever.
Why Online Reviews Aren’t Always What They Seem
Fake reviews now make up 15–30% of online restaurant ratings, according to industry studies.
Some venues buy 5-star reviews or use bots to pump up their scores.
Others are targeted with 1-star attacks — often from rivals or keyboard warriors who never visited.
Most platforms don’t verify if a person even visited the place.
That means anyone can write anything, and it stays live.
How to Spot a Fake Reviews at Restaurants
🚩 No detail – “Amazing!” or “Terrible!” with no mention of food, staff, or atmosphere.Real guests usually have something specific to say.
🚩 Over-the-top praise or rage – If it sounds like a marketing brochure (or a personal attack), be suspicious.Fake reviews often go extreme in either direction.
🚩 No photo evidence – While not all real reviewers upload photos, zero images across multiple reviews is a red flag.
🚩 Reviewer has no history – Click on their name. If they’ve reviewed 10 businesses in 10 countries in 2 days… probably not legit.
🚩 The pattern doesn’t fit – 20 five-stars in one weekend? Or ten 1-stars after a competitor opened next door? That’s not organic.
🚩 Copy-paste content – Look out for repeat phrasing or reviews that match others word for word.
Why Verified Reviews Are the Future
The core problem with most review sites is simple: anyone can leave a review — even if they’ve never stepped inside.
That loophole opens the door for bots, black-hat agencies, bitter competitors, and bored keyboard warriors.
That’s why verified-only platforms are essential.
On AWOL's app, for example, users can only leave a review if they’ve genuinely visited or booked with a venue.
That means every review is tied to a real human, with a real experience.
There’s no room for fakes — and that creates real trust, not inflated star ratings.
For Diners: How to Stop Relying on the Wrong Crowd
The problem with generic platforms is that they show you what’s popular, not what fits your tastes.AWOL was built to fix that.
Instead of ranking venues by ads or review volume, it asks you a few fun questions — like “Do you prefer Guinness or rosé?” or “Vegan tacos or steak frites?”
The app builds a taste profile and only shows you places that match your preferences.
No more digging through chains, irrelevant listings, or "meh" recommendations.
And because all reviews are verified, you know you're seeing real experiences from people who actually went — not someone with an agenda.
Whether you’re hunting for craft cocktails, low-key brunch spots, or a good vegan pad Thai, AWOL helps you find it faster and with more confidence.
For Independent Hospitality Businesses: Why It Really Matters
If you run a bar, café, or restaurant, fake reviews aren’t just irritating — they’re costly.
A fake 1-star can hurt your average rating. A flood of purchased 5-stars from a competitor can push you down the list. And the worst part? You often can’t get them removed.
Platforms like AWOL offer a cleaner alternative. Because only real guests can leave feedback, your profile stays authentic. The good reviews you earn are real — and the negative ones (if they happen) are actually useful.
Even better? You don’t need to pay to rank. Unlike Google or TripAdvisor, you don’t have to bid for visibility or buy ads. On AWOL, visibility is based on fit — if someone’s into what you offer, they’ll see you.
You also get access to tools that let you send exclusive offers and seasonal promos directly to diners who already match your vibe. So you’re not just visible — you’re relevant.
And when someone finds you, they know your reviews are legit. That’s the kind of reputation that builds loyalty and trust.
Final Thought
Online reviews should make it easier to find great food — not harder. But with fake stars flooding the internet, diners and business owners are right to be sceptical.
The solution isn’t deleting reviews. It’s verifying them.
That’s why AWOL exists — to help people discover better places based on their tastes, not trends… and to give independent venues the fair exposure they’ve always deserved.
👉 Want in? Download the app if you’re a diner.👉
If you’re a business owner, you can register your venue for free in minutes.
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