Anonymous Google reviews: can you find out who wrote one?

2 min read · Updated

The short answer

Anonymous Google reviews happen because reviewers post under their Google profile name, which can be a nickname. Google won't tell a business who wrote a review. If you can't match it to a customer, reply publicly that you can't find their visit and invite them to contact you. If it breaks a policy, report it.

Why you can't tell who it is

Every Google review is tied to a Google account, but the name shown is whatever the person chose. Google doesn't share account details with businesses. In rare legal cases, a court can order disclosure, which is a question for a lawyer.

How to reply

Keep it short and calm: you take feedback seriously, you can't find a record of their visit, and here's how to reach you directly. That answer reads well to other customers whether the review is genuine or not.

When to report it

  • It mentions things that never happened at your business.
  • It came in a burst with other reviews from unfamiliar accounts.
  • It's from someone you recognize as a competitor or former employee.

Questions

Can customers leave a review without a Google account?

No. Every review is posted from a Google account.

Should I guess who it is in my reply?

No. Naming the wrong person, or the right one, rarely ends well.

Do anonymous reviews count toward my rating?

Yes, unless Google removes them.

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