He didnt stop: Google extortion scheme targets local businesses [Video]

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – The owner of a small South Florida business says he’s been hit by a Google extortion scam involving fake negative reviews.

The con artist demands money, and getting the fake bad reviews removed is no easy process.

David Merkatz is one of the victims. He started Broward Notary Public from his home office.

“When I retired I was looking for a way to make a few dollars to supplement my Social Security,” he said. “I said, ‘Geez, if I started a notary business and was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and holidays, I would do really well.’”

And he has. There are 145 stellar Google reviews and a handful on Yelp.

“I have all five-star reviews,” Merkatz said. “And if you have bad reviews, they won’t use you.”

Things were going very well, he said, “until all of a sudden I heard a little bleep …