Blackmail over breakfast
Online reviews have become a critical component of the modern marketplace, but stories like this are disappointing as they show how people can weaponize them. This guy’s ability to blackmail restaurants into providing discounts using the threat of negative reviews is a reminder of how much damage a single negative review can cause. It makes one wonder how often he has gotten away with this scam. Despite the frustration that comes with monitoring online reviews and responding to negative ones, Kieran’s refusal to give in to this blackmailer is commendable.
As a restaurant owner, having to waste so much time monitoring online reviews and responding to negative ones can be frustrating. However, Kieran’s response to this review shows that there is hope. By responding to negative reviews and exposing fraudulent ones, restaurant owners can protect their reputation and continue to serve their customers without fear of being extorted. Although it’s discouraging to see how easily people can misuse online reviews, Kieran’s actions remind us that we can still fight back.
