Swiss Tattoo Studios Targeted by Pakistan-Based Blackmail Scheme
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A wave of fake negative reviews, originating from Pakistan, is hitting Swiss tattoo studios, with blackmailers demanding payment for their removal.
Swiss tattoo artists are facing a disturbing new threat: coordinated blackmail attempts leveraging fake online reviews.Over the past two weeks, numerous studios across the country have been targeted by a complex scheme where fabricated negative reviews appear on their Google Business profiles, followed by demands for money to make them disappear. The scam highlights a growing trend of online extortion targeting small businesses, and echoes similar tactics recently seen with dentists.
The rise of Fake Reviews
The attacks began subtly, with a series of highly detailed negative reviews appearing on Google Business profiles of various tattoo studios. One review from a Zurich studio detailed a frustrating experience with canceled appointments and a lack of interaction, stating, “I started a big tattoo project. The artist was initially very friendly. We made several appointments, but she canceled twice – once as of illness, once because of vacation. After that she no longer responds at all.” Another review,targeting a well-known Zurich studio,complained about inadequate aftercare instructions and unresponsive staff: “The instructions for aftercare were unclear,and when I asked for help,no one answered for days. The tattoo didn’t heal well.”
A similar incident was reported at Blade and Shade in Lucerne, where a review alleged that the artist disregarded the client’s design preferences and delivered a subpar result. “The artist didn’t listen carefully to what I wanted and made small changes to the design without asking. The finished tattoo did not match the template I was shown and the reaction I received was very unprofessional,” the review stated.
From Reviews to Direct Extortion
What initially appeared to be disgruntled customers quickly revealed a more sinister pattern. Michi Kohler (36), managing director of Blade and Shade, noticed the reviews were all originating from the same Google accounts – and were demonstrably false. Shortly after, Kohler received a message via WhatsApp from a number traced to Pakistan, offering to delete the negative reviews – and even post positive ones – in exchange for payment.
“At first I was wondering wich customers of his studio were behind the reviews,” Kohler said.”But he was then contacted via Whatsapp via a telephone number from Pakistan.” He refused to engage with the blackmailer, reporting the fraudulent reviews to Google, which subsequently removed them after approximately three days. Kohler expressed astonishment at the brazenness of the approach, noting, “Unfortunately, these negative reviews were frighteningly well written.” He suspects the use of artificial intelligence in crafting the deceptive content.
Reports indicate that other tattoo studios have also been contacted by the same WhatsApp number, which features the phrase “I love Mohammed” in its profile picture. The individual has reportedly demanded money from multiple studios to remove the damaging comments.It remains unclear weather any studios have succumbed to the extortion demands.
The federal Office for Cybersecurity (Bacs) is aware of the scam. Spokeswoman Manuela Sonderegger (46) advises victims to avoid any communication with the blackmailer. “We advise those affected not to respond at all if a request for money arrives,” she stated. Instead, she recommends reporting the fake comments to the rating platform and filing a formal report with the police.
The Zurich Cantonal Police, accessible via cybercrimepolice.ch, confirms that charges can be filed in such cases.A police spokesman, Roger Bonetti (53), also suggests responding to the fake reviews to publicly declare them as false.
Google’s Stance
Google has acknowledged the issue, stating, “We check posts closely and around the clock for fraudulent reviews.” The company relies on a combination of human review and technology to identify and remove misleading content, and promises “immediate action – from removing content to deleting their Google account” when violations are detected.
This emerging threat underscores the vulnerability of businesses to online manipulation and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. While authorities and platforms are working to combat the problem, vigilance and a firm refusal to engage with extortion attempts remain the best defense for Swiss tattoo studios – and businesses across the country.
