A new scam is hitting HVAC contractors where it hurts most — their online reputation. One California contractor saw his business take a major hit after being flooded with fake one-star reviews, only to be contacted by someone offering to remove them — for a fee. It’s part of a growing extortion scheme targeting service companies that rely on strong ratings to stay visible online. Experts say the playbook is simple: scammers post a wave of negative reviews, then reach out demanding payment to take them down. Organizations like Google have taken steps to address the issue, but contractors are often left dealing with the fallout in the meantime. The advice? Don’t engage, don’t pay, and document everything. Instead, report the reviews and focus on building a strong base of legitimate customer feedback.

Read the full article.