Anonymity for Customer Reviews

[SuperiorDG]

So I don't know if this is a rant or a solicitation for advice. Long story in short form. I hired a 20 year old entry-level employee about a month ago. Like most he seemed like a good fit in the interview so I hired him. Exactly one week on the job I instructed his lead guy to have him clean up the shop being that we didn't have jobs that afternoon. I was out measuring a shower at the time. He calls me on-site and informs me that "he didn't sign up to clean the shop." I was a little shocked at this but put a plan in place and hired someone else and once they were ready to start let him go.

Fast forward to yesterday. I get an email informing me I have a Google review on my business Google page. I look at the review and it's a one star rating. I thinking WTF I don't have any pissed off customers I'm dealing with or anything of the nature. I Google the user name of the reviewer and find it is the same name and icon as a Youtuber and a bunch of other video gamer review pages. Anyway I remember that in the interview the guy mentioned that's what he does in his free time. So I listen to some of the reviews and it's the guy I fired's voice.

So now I know who the anonymous reviewer is and so what do I do? Being that his Youtube persona is a secret to everyone but me I'm thinking of outing his name and personal info on all of his internet videos and the like. Or just texting him the user name and telling him he has 24 hours to take down the review of I will not be the only one who knows who the user name belongs to.

Anyway, I can go long into the details later but for now I'm just trying to devise a plan.

[68Charger]

What you are talking about is doxx'ing

possibly a route you could take, since you're not CNN- and his review had nothing to do with him being a customer. I'm sure a lawyer would have an appropriate course of action- like a cease and desist with threat of a lawsuit for damages.

I don't know if there is any process to challenge reviews with Google...

[Sawin]

...

I don't know if there is any process to challenge reviews with Google...

This was my first thought as well.

[izzy]

I think you can respond to the review if you've claimed the business with via Google reviews. I'd probably respond explaining that the review is from a disgruntled employee. Not sure if that still comes off as negative though. I'd guess Google has a way to contest it.

[SuperiorDG]

What you are talking about is doxx'ing

possibly a route you could take, since you're not CNN- and his review had nothing to do with him being a customer. I'm sure a lawyer would have an appropriate course of action- like a cease and desist with threat of a lawsuit for damages.

I don't know if there is any process to challenge reviews with Google...

I now know a new word, thanks.

Cease and desist letter cost a $1000.00 from a lawyer.

I'll check further with google and see.

[SuperiorDG]

I think you can respond to the review if you've claimed the business with via Google reviews. I'd probably respond explaining that the review is from a disgruntled employee. Not sure if that still comes off as negative though. I'd guess Google has a way to contest it.

I've replied and then deleted my comment. I don't know how it sounds either so I was a little unsure about that course.

[izzy]

you think the review is going to cost you more than $1000 in business? if so then I'd say get that lawyer on the case

[colorider]

Best is to respond to the review and do it quickly. Just say that xxxx is not a customer, but rather an ex employee.
Getting a google review deleted is damn near impossible. I deal with this nonsense every week with my business.
Make your response friendly and with enough detail that it will make sense to the readers. Don't be negative toward the review. Simply state the facts and also remind the readers of all your good reviews.

[cstone]

Do you think the former employee would remove the review?

I wouldn't pay a lawyer for this. IMO colorider's suggestion is the best way to handle most negative reviews.

[izzy]

Do you think the former employee would remove the review?

I wouldn't pay a lawyer for this. IMO colorider's suggestion is the best way to handle most negative reviews.

+1 to that