Reputation defense · Checkatrade

How to Remove a Fake Checkatrade Review

A fraudulent Checkatrade review can drag down your rating. Here is how to tell a fake from a fair complaint, flag it correctly, and escalate if Checkatrade says no.

A single fake review on Checkatrade can pull your rating down and reach customers who never hear your side. Checkatrade does remove reviews that break its rules, but only when you flag them correctly and make the right case. Acting fast and accurately matters more than acting loudly.

Recognizing a Fake vs. a Negative Review

Under Checkatrade's review guidelines, a harsh review from a real customer is allowed, even when you disagree with it. Checkatrade reviews are tied to verified job completions, which makes genuine fakes difficult to post. A review can still be disputed when the person was never your customer, the job described did not happen, or the content is harassing or factually wrong.

The Exact Steps to Flag a Review on Checkatrade

  1. Log in to your Checkatrade trade account.
  2. Go to your account dashboard and navigate to the Reviews or Feedback section.
  3. Find the review and use the 'Dispute review' option.
  4. Provide the job reference or evidence that the reviewer was not your customer and the described work never took place.
  5. Checkatrade investigates disputed reviews and may contact both parties; respond promptly to any information requests.

What to Do if Checkatrade Rejects Your Appeal

Checkatrade upholds many reviews on first pass, so a rejection is common. Reply to the decision with any evidence that the review is fraudulent and name the specific guideline it breaks. While the review stands, post a calm, factual public response so future readers see a measured owner rather than an unanswered claim.

Stop Reacting, Start Defending

Most fake reviews are spotted too late, after they have already cost you customers. Speed matters because a review flagged while it is fresh is easier to act on. Saint Aura notifies you whenever a new review lands, so you can review and report a fake right away. It also gives unhappy customers a private feedback path so your team hears about service concerns directly — helping reduce the chance they escalate into a public review.

Collect more authentic Checkatrade reviews with Saint Aura

Saint Aura makes it easier for customers to share their real experience — through a QR-based guided flow, in their own language, with an AI-assisted draft they can edit before posting.

Related guides for Checkatrade