Can I sue someone in Ontario over a fake Google review?

What do I have to show to sue over a fake review?

In Ontario, a claim over a false review is usually a defamation claim. A lawyer will normally ask you to show three things:

• The words would lower your business in the eyes of a reasonable reader.
• The review is about your business or about you.
• The review was published to other people and damaged your reputation.

Opinion is different from fact. A review that says “the service was slow” is an opinion. A review that says “this contractor stole my deposit” is a statement of fact. In Canadian defamation law, the court presumes a defamatory statement is false. The writer can defend it by proving it is true, or by showing it is honest opinion on facts that are true.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Ask an Ontario lawyer about your own case.

Is the review fake, or only negative?

This question decides your next step. Google’s help pages say that a review must reflect a genuine experience. They also say that content which is not based on a real experience can be removed.

Google also says you should not report a review just because you disagree with it. Google does not get involved in conflict between businesses and customers.

These cases may count as fake:

• The reviewer was never your customer.
• One person posted from multiple accounts.
• A competitor or a former employee posted the review. Google lists a conflict of interest as a policy problem.
• The review describes a service that you do not offer.

Who can I sue?

The writer is the usual target. That is a problem when the account uses a false name. Ontario courts can sometimes order a company that holds a user’s details to disclose them. This step takes legal work, so ask a lawyer whether it fits your case.

Suing Google itself is a different and harder matter. Google’s own help pages describe a report and appeal process, not a way to settle disputes. Do not plan around a claim against Google.

Some cases carry an extra risk. Ontario has an anti-SLAPP law. A defendant can ask the court to dismiss a claim that targets expression on a matter of public interest. A lawyer can tell you if that risk applies to a review of your business.

What should I do first?

Follow these steps in order. They cost little, and they protect your position if you sue later.

1. Take a screenshot of the full review, the reviewer’s name, and the date. Save the link to the review.
2. Write down why the review is false. Note the dates and the records that show it, such as invoices or booking records.
3. Flag the review in your Business Profile. Select Read reviews, select Report next to the review, choose the reason, and select Send report.
4. Check the status in the Reviews Management Tool. Google says evaluation typically takes several days.
5. If Google finds no violation, submit the one-time appeal in the same tool.
6. Post a short, polite public reply. Say that you cannot find a record of the customer. Invite the reviewer to contact you by phone or email.
7. Speak to a lawyer before you contact the reviewer in any other way.

Should I pay or pressure the reviewer to take it down?

No. Google prohibits offering incentives, such as payment, discounts, or free goods and services, in exchange for removing a negative review. Google treats this as fake and misleading content. It can put your own profile at risk.

Do not threaten the reviewer in your public reply. Do not share the reviewer’s private information. Google’s guidance says to avoid personal attacks. A calm reply also reads better to a judge and to future customers.

Is a lawsuit worth it?

A lawsuit takes time and money, and the result is not certain. For many owners, the practical path is better:

• Flag the review and appeal if needed.
• Reply in a professional way.
• Ask real customers to leave honest reviews. Google lets you share a review link or QR code for this.

Google’s help pages also say that a mix of positive and negative feedback often feels more trustworthy. One false review rarely decides a buyer’s choice when the rest of your profile is strong.

A lawsuit makes more sense when the review makes a serious false claim, the writer is easy to identify, and you can show real harm to your business. A lawyer can tell you if you are in that group.