A single bad review can sting. A wave of fake 1-star reviews can feel like an attack. For many business owners, online reputation is not just about pride. It affects phone calls, foot traffic, hiring, referrals, and the confidence a new customer feels before making contact. Reputation extortion makes that pressure worse. Scammers may threaten to post negative reviews unless a business pays, gives a refund that is not owed, or provides free products or services. Others may lea