A careful first response
What to do next.
- Look for names, profile photos or wording that match a competitor's staff
- Check timing: several reviews right after a dispute or a launch
- Save the review URLs and screenshots with dates
- Flag each review on 'conflict of interest', with what links it to the competitor
- Don't accuse anyone publicly in your reply
What counts as a link
A reviewer who works for or owns a competing business, a family member, or a pattern of reviews from people connected to one competitor. A guess isn't enough — something concrete is.
Mentions of competitors
A genuine customer who compares you with a competitor is allowed to say so. That on its own isn't a reason for removal.