Separate disagreement from a policy violation
Keep a record of the text, date, territory and relevant context. Look for content about a different product, spam, abusive material or claims that can be checked against your product. Similar wording or a sudden change in ratings can prompt investigation, but it does not prove the author never used the app. Avoid publicly accusing a person when the evidence is only a pattern.
Submit a narrow report through the store
Use the applicable App Store or Play Console reporting route. Explain the suspected violation and attach relevant evidence where supported. Do not organize counter-reviews, contact the reviewer with threats or buy positive reviews to offset the effect. Platform moderation makes the removal decision. Keep the report reference so a colleague can see what was submitted and whether a response arrived.
Continue supporting genuine complaints
Investigate the underlying product issue even while a report is pending. A review can contain harsh wording and still reveal a real defect. Respond calmly, offer a support route and avoid exposing account data. Maintain one consistent moderation standard for positive and negative comments in any community area you control, and explain whether a rating belongs to your platform or an external store.
Working example
Evidence note example: ‘This review describes a delivery subscription. Our app is an offline drawing tool and has never offered delivery or subscriptions. Attached are the current product page and the review text.’ This is more actionable than ‘This user is fake and hurting us.’ The platform may still decline removal; prepare to answer legitimate concerns separately.
Your next steps
- Keep the original text and publication context.
- Identify a specific potential policy violation.
- Use the official reporting channel.
- Keep support and moderation independent of score.
Official sources
Sources checked October 2, 2026. Review the current provider documentation before acting on requirements.
Turn the next test into something useful.
Publish a focused brief on RateMyApp. Credits fund approved private reports; public store reviews are voluntary and unrewarded.
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