November 19, 2025
When visibility becomes a target point again: An open word on current events
When visibility becomes a target point again: An open word on current events
Written by Edin, owner of iGrow
A strong online presence is an essential part of modern business management. We invest time and energy every day to achieve measurable results for our clients while ensuring that our own visibility in the digital space is transparent and fair. However, the stronger you grow, the more the downside of the digital world becomes apparent.
A few months ago, we were confronted with a targeted attack in the form of misleading negative reviews . These reviews had no real connection to our company, contained false claims, and were published in a noticeable frequency within a short time. We carefully documented each individual case, reported everything to Google, and initiated legal action. Most of these reviews were removed, which clearly confirmed the lack of authenticity. Only a single review remained. Our law firm submitted the incidents to the authorities to initiate criminal proceedings.
After this intense phase, there was a lull. But recently we have observed an unsettling development again. Within a few days, we received several 5-star reviews in English, with no discernible connection to client projects and without any form of interaction with our company. The texts sound professional, follow similar patterns, and were mostly published around the same time. The timing, the content, and the lack of customer history have no relation to our daily work.
Everything suggests that it could be a test run. It is possible that an external company is testing automated review processes or that competitors are attempting to create a scenario with artificially sounding positive reviews that could later be used against us. For an artificially appearing surge of English 5-star reviews without context can be used later to accuse us of manipulating reviews. Such strategies are unfortunately not uncommon and often serve to deliberately undermine digital reputation.
We take these incidents very seriously. Each individual review is examined, documented, and reported to Google. Our goal is to have these reviews removed as well, provided they violate guidelines. In parallel, we have – as in the first wave of attacks – engaged our law firm. The current incidents are being reported again so that the relevant authorities can initiate criminal investigations.
Our stance has not changed. We work with real clients on real projects and achieve real results. Our commitment to transparency and fairness remains undisturbed, and we will not be unsettled by negative attacks or manipulative strategies. However, such incidents clearly illustrate the importance of staying vigilant and actively protecting one’s online reputation.
We document all developments openly, inform transparently, and continue to stand for clarity, integrity, and responsible handling in the digital space.
Stay vigilant online.
Edin from iGrow
Written by Edin, owner of iGrow
A strong online presence is an essential part of modern business management. We invest time and energy every day to achieve measurable results for our clients while ensuring that our own visibility in the digital space is transparent and fair. However, the stronger you grow, the more the downside of the digital world becomes apparent.
A few months ago, we were confronted with a targeted attack in the form of misleading negative reviews . These reviews had no real connection to our company, contained false claims, and were published in a noticeable frequency within a short time. We carefully documented each individual case, reported everything to Google, and initiated legal action. Most of these reviews were removed, which clearly confirmed the lack of authenticity. Only a single review remained. Our law firm submitted the incidents to the authorities to initiate criminal proceedings.
After this intense phase, there was a lull. But recently we have observed an unsettling development again. Within a few days, we received several 5-star reviews in English, with no discernible connection to client projects and without any form of interaction with our company. The texts sound professional, follow similar patterns, and were mostly published around the same time. The timing, the content, and the lack of customer history have no relation to our daily work.
Everything suggests that it could be a test run. It is possible that an external company is testing automated review processes or that competitors are attempting to create a scenario with artificially sounding positive reviews that could later be used against us. For an artificially appearing surge of English 5-star reviews without context can be used later to accuse us of manipulating reviews. Such strategies are unfortunately not uncommon and often serve to deliberately undermine digital reputation.
We take these incidents very seriously. Each individual review is examined, documented, and reported to Google. Our goal is to have these reviews removed as well, provided they violate guidelines. In parallel, we have – as in the first wave of attacks – engaged our law firm. The current incidents are being reported again so that the relevant authorities can initiate criminal investigations.
Our stance has not changed. We work with real clients on real projects and achieve real results. Our commitment to transparency and fairness remains undisturbed, and we will not be unsettled by negative attacks or manipulative strategies. However, such incidents clearly illustrate the importance of staying vigilant and actively protecting one’s online reputation.
We document all developments openly, inform transparently, and continue to stand for clarity, integrity, and responsible handling in the digital space.
Stay vigilant online.
Edin from iGrow
Written by:
Edin
Author & Founder
Share this article
Is there a connection to the negative reviews from the summer?
The patterns differ, yet both events demonstrate that our profile has been specifically influenced. Therefore, we document both cases comprehensively and report them to Google.
What measures is iGrow taking now?
We review each individual rating, report it to Google, and take legal action. Our law firm submits all relevant documents again to the authorities so that criminal investigations can be initiated.
Does this affect our work with clients?
No. We continue to work transparently, personally, and results-oriented. The processes involve only external manipulation attempts and have no influence on the quality of our services.
What can companies generally do against such rating attacks?
Manipulative reviews should be documented, reported to Google, and, if necessary, pursued legally. An open and transparent approach builds trust and protects one's online reputation in the long term.
Related Insights for Success
![Welche B2B SaaS Marketing Agentur kann Customer Acquisition Costs senken? [2026 Leitfaden]](https://framerusercontent.com/images/kLm3SoFXa6EHIKVpXxcUplXmTU.jpeg?width=6720&height=4480)
Is there a connection to the negative reviews from the summer?
The patterns differ, yet both events demonstrate that our profile has been specifically influenced. Therefore, we document both cases comprehensively and report them to Google.
What measures is iGrow taking now?
We review each individual rating, report it to Google, and take legal action. Our law firm submits all relevant documents again to the authorities so that criminal investigations can be initiated.
Does this affect our work with clients?
No. We continue to work transparently, personally, and results-oriented. The processes involve only external manipulation attempts and have no influence on the quality of our services.
What can companies generally do against such rating attacks?
Manipulative reviews should be documented, reported to Google, and, if necessary, pursued legally. An open and transparent approach builds trust and protects one's online reputation in the long term.
Related Insights for Success
Is there a connection to the negative reviews from the summer?
The patterns differ, yet both events demonstrate that our profile has been specifically influenced. Therefore, we document both cases comprehensively and report them to Google.
What measures is iGrow taking now?
We review each individual rating, report it to Google, and take legal action. Our law firm submits all relevant documents again to the authorities so that criminal investigations can be initiated.
Does this affect our work with clients?
No. We continue to work transparently, personally, and results-oriented. The processes involve only external manipulation attempts and have no influence on the quality of our services.
What can companies generally do against such rating attacks?
Manipulative reviews should be documented, reported to Google, and, if necessary, pursued legally. An open and transparent approach builds trust and protects one's online reputation in the long term.