google says 5 stars. the reviews say otherwise.

We read the reviews, run the stats, and tell you whether the rating is earned, with the evidence to back it up.

We don't scrape Google. Your AI agent already has a browser; we have the scoring. It collects a listing's reviews, we grade them, and the place appears here for everyone.

check a place with your ai agent

1.
Connect the legitreviews MCP. In Claude Code:
```
claude mcp add --transport http legitreviews https://legitreviews.ai/mcp
```
In claude.ai: Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector → https://legitreviews.ai/mcp. Any other MCP client (Muse, Cursor, your own agent) takes the same URL, Streamable HTTP, no key needed to try it.
2.

Ask it about a place:

“Are the Google reviews for the Blue Lantern Cafe on Main Street legit?”

Sense Massage JH 沙式按摩 사바마사지

looks legit · 4.85★ claimed → 5.00★ adjusted

4.85★ claimed → 5.00★ adjusted B

Sense Massage Gaya 沙式按摩 사바 마사지

we're not sure · 4.92★ claimed → 4.78★ adjusted

4.92★ claimed → 4.78★ adjusted F

Oasis Massage by Sense 沙式按摩 마사지

manipulation detected · 4.96★

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

looks legit · 4.40★, holds up

4.40★, holds up A

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

looks legit · 4.51★, holds up

4.51★, holds up A

looks legit · 4.83★, holds up

4.83★, holds up A

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

looks legit · 4.57★, holds up

4.57★, holds up A

Tanjung Ria Kitchen

looks legit · 4.45★ claimed → 4.34★ adjusted

4.45★ claimed → 4.34★ adjusted A

looks legit · 4.48★, holds up

4.48★, holds up A

October Coffee Gaya

looks legit · 4.56★, holds up

4.56★, holds up A

One Roof Cafe - LUYANG PERDANA

looks legit · 4.05★, holds up

4.05★, holds up A

looks legit · 4.14★, holds up

4.14★, holds up D

Uncle Lim 香港粥 (Hong Kong Porridge) - Wisma Merdeka

manipulation detected · 4.76★ claimed → 4.64★ adjusted

4.76★ claimed → 4.64★ adjusted A

Fook Yuen Cafe & Bakery-Gaya Street

looks legit · 3.79★ claimed → 3.64★ adjusted

3.79★ claimed → 3.64★ adjusted C

possible manipulation · 4.53★ claimed → 4.29★ adjusted

4.53★ claimed → 4.29★ adjusted B

ON22 Restaurant

we're not sure · 4.64★ claimed → 4.45★ adjusted

4.64★ claimed → 4.45★ adjusted F

manipulation detected · 4.29★ claimed → 3.84★ adjusted

4.29★ claimed → 3.84★ adjusted B

inflated rating · 4.50★ claimed → 4.24★ adjusted

4.50★ claimed → 4.24★ adjusted F

来客 Light Cafe KK

manipulation detected · 4.80★ claimed → 4.58★ adjusted

4.80★ claimed → 4.58★ adjusted A

looks legit · 4.15★, holds up

4.15★, holds up A

Seng Hing Coffee Shop

looks legit · 4.11★, holds up

4.11★, holds up A+

looks legit · 4.24★, holds up

4.24★, holds up A

looks legit · 4.52★, holds up

4.52★, holds up F

manipulation detected · 4.38★ claimed → 3.95★ adjusted

4.38★ claimed → 3.95★ adjusted F

Yi Jia Kopitiam 一家（Wisma Merdeka)

manipulation detected · 4.80★ claimed → 3.68★ adjusted

4.80★ claimed → 3.68★ adjusted B

Aroma Mughni Reflexology

past manipulation · 4.49★ claimed → 4.36★ adjusted

4.49★ claimed → 4.36★ adjusted A

Eden Reflexology Centre伊甸园足体养生馆

looks legit · 4.50★, holds up

4.50★, holds up C

Tiya Spa & Reflexology

possible manipulation · 4.49★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted

4.49★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted D

Ulu Ulu Spa Gaya Street

manipulation detected · 4.86★

Great 88 Reflexology

manipulation detected · 4.36★ claimed → 4.20★ adjusted

4.36★ claimed → 4.20★ adjusted D

Poin Reflexology Spa

manipulation detected · 4.91★ claimed → 4.68★ adjusted

4.91★ claimed → 4.68★ adjusted D

MASSAGE KINABALU REFLEXOLOGY SPA 沙式按摩 마사지

manipulation detected · 4.94★ claimed → 4.79★ adjusted

4.94★ claimed → 4.79★ adjusted F

Helen Beauty Reflexology Massage & Spa

manipulation detected · 4.87★ claimed → 4.30★ adjusted

4.87★ claimed → 4.30★ adjusted F

New borneo family Reflexology

inflated rating · 4.74★ claimed → 4.05★ adjusted

4.74★ claimed → 4.05★ adjusted C

SOULRELAX WARISAN 소울 릴랙스 足浴轩

inflated rating · 4.54★ claimed → 4.02★ adjusted

4.54★ claimed → 4.02★ adjusted D

NanaMaya massage마사지按摩

manipulation detected · 4.83★ claimed → 4.50★ adjusted

4.83★ claimed → 4.50★ adjusted F

Magnolia Massage & Spa 마사지 足浴按摩

manipulation detected · 4.90★ claimed → 4.40★ adjusted

4.90★ claimed → 4.40★ adjusted F

Sense Garden Reflexology & Spa Centre 沙式按摩 마사지

inflated rating · 4.65★ claimed → 4.07★ adjusted

4.65★ claimed → 4.07★ adjusted D

Benzz reflexology massage & spa

manipulation detected · 4.91★ claimed → 4.52★ adjusted

4.91★ claimed → 4.52★ adjusted C

Ocean Massage center

inflated rating · 4.74★ claimed → 4.42★ adjusted

4.74★ claimed → 4.42★ adjusted A

Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant

looks legit · 4.19★, holds up

4.19★, holds up C

Guan's Kopitiam Gaya Street

possible manipulation · 4.74★ claimed → 4.47★ adjusted

4.74★ claimed → 4.47★ adjusted D

Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant

manipulation detected · 4.02★ claimed → 3.75★ adjusted

4.02★ claimed → 3.75★ adjusted A+

Chung Fatt Kee - Official Rolex Retailer

looks legit · 4.05★ claimed → 4.17★ adjusted

4.05★ claimed → 4.17★ adjusted F

Fatt kee the shore

manipulation detected · 4.76★ claimed → 4.38★ adjusted

4.76★ claimed → 4.38★ adjusted C

Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant Imago

inflated rating · 4.46★ claimed → 3.88★ adjusted

4.46★ claimed → 3.88★ adjusted A+

looks legit · 4.19★, holds up

4.19★, holds up F

Traditional Fried Pork Kuey Teow

manipulation detected · 4.86★ claimed → 4.30★ adjusted

4.86★ claimed → 4.30★ adjusted D

蜀大侠火锅 Shu DaXia Hotpot @ 亚庇区 Kota Kinabalu

manipulation detected · 4.92★ claimed → 4.70★ adjusted

4.92★ claimed → 4.70★ adjusted B

한식당(한인직영) Merah Merah Korea 메라메라코리아

inflated rating · 4.79★ claimed → 4.54★ adjusted

4.79★ claimed → 4.54★ adjusted A+

Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee

looks legit · 4.12★, holds up

4.12★, holds up A

looks legit · 4.23★, holds up

4.23★, holds up A

Doyajjambbong Kota Kinabalu

looks legit · 4.80★ claimed → 4.67★ adjusted

4.80★ claimed → 4.67★ adjusted B

Traditional Fried Pork Kuey Teow (Sandakan wet market) 亚燕古早味炸肉大粉

inflated rating · 4.42★ claimed → 4.11★ adjusted

4.42★ claimed → 4.11★ adjusted A

Kui Wah Kopitiam 쿠이 와

looks legit · 4.70★ claimed → 4.59★ adjusted

4.70★ claimed → 4.59★ adjusted F

Dynasty Chinese Restaurant

manipulation detected · 4.58★ claimed → 4.23★ adjusted

4.58★ claimed → 4.23★ adjusted F

Yum Cha by Canton Lane

manipulation detected · 4.66★ claimed → 4.25★ adjusted

4.66★ claimed → 4.25★ adjusted F

亚燕 AH YEN PLUS (TRADITIONAL FRIED PORK KUEY TEOW)

manipulation detected · 4.78★ claimed → 4.20★ adjusted

4.78★ claimed → 4.20★ adjusted A

looks legit · 4.39★, holds up

4.39★, holds up A

Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

looks legit · 4.03★, holds up

4.03★, holds up B

Enso Teppanyaki (Japanese Restaurant at Jesselton Mall)

inflated rating · 4.74★ claimed → 4.48★ adjusted

4.74★ claimed → 4.48★ adjusted A

Shoney's Dining & Bar

looks legit · 4.46★, holds up

4.46★, holds up A

Welcome Seafood Restaurant

looks legit · 4.08★, holds up

4.08★, holds up A+

Mother India Authentic North Indian Restaurant

looks legit · 4.54★, holds up

4.54★, holds up A

Brass Monkey Cafe & Bar

looks legit · 4.42★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted

4.42★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted A

Mamasita Mexican Restaurant & Tapas Bar

looks legit · 4.42★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted

4.42★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted F

Rooftop Bar & Grill @ Hilton Kota Kinabalu

manipulation detected · 4.79★ claimed → 4.60★ adjusted

4.79★ claimed → 4.60★ adjusted C

possible manipulation · 4.37★ claimed → 4.18★ adjusted

4.37★ claimed → 4.18★ adjusted F

KK Garden Seafood Restaurant • Sedco

manipulation detected · 4.84★ claimed → 4.50★ adjusted

4.84★ claimed → 4.50★ adjusted F

manipulation detected · 4.81★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted

4.81★ claimed → 4.31★ adjusted A

looks legit · 4.39★, holds up

4.39★, holds up F

La Chica Mexican Grill Kota Kinabalu

solicited reviews · 4.90★ claimed → 4.71★ adjusted

4.90★ claimed → 4.71★ adjusted A

SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu

looks legit · 4.23★, holds up

4.23★, holds up D

manipulation detected · 4.69★ claimed → 4.45★ adjusted

4.69★ claimed → 4.45★ adjusted F

KK GARDEN SEAFOOD GAYA RESTAURANT

manipulation detected · 4.58★ claimed → 4.18★ adjusted

4.58★ claimed → 4.18★ adjusted C

Howdy Grillhouse Kota Kinabalu

inflated rating · 4.84★ claimed → 4.52★ adjusted

4.84★ claimed → 4.52★ adjusted D

ZING Sunset Bar

manipulation detected · 4.60★ claimed → 4.19★ adjusted

4.60★ claimed → 4.19★ adjusted F

MOGINUM Restobar

manipulation detected · 4.79★ claimed → 4.52★ adjusted

4.79★ claimed → 4.52★ adjusted

how it works

1. your agent collects the reviews

It opens the listing in its own browser, sorts by newest and collects them: all of them, or the 500 most recent at a big listing. We don't scrape Google.

2. we run the stats

Burst days, throwaway accounts, cross-posted text, solicited reviews, rating drift. Statistics, not vibes.

3. you get a grade

A to F, plus the rating credible reviewers actually give, with the evidence one click away. The place then appears here for everyone.

Google usually asks the browser to be signed in before it will sort or load more reviews. The agent reads Maps through your signed-in browser, much like scrolling the listing yourself. Heavy use could trip Google's rate limits; if you plan to check many places, a secondary Google account is a sensible choice.

No agent? Scripts can POST the same review JSON to /api/submissions; the format is at /api/sources/google-maps. Everything required is visible on the review card; review ids and exact timestamps are optional. Results from a single unconfirmed submitter are labeled as such until a second source agrees.

methodology

what signals do we look for?

We read a place's full review history and weigh the signals that are costly for a review farm to fake:

Burst campaigns: clusters of 5 star reviews dumped on a single day by low-history accounts. A genuine surge keeps a place's normal share of Local Guides, so it isn't counted against it.
Drip-feed farms: reviews arriving nearly every day at a pace no organic business sustains, a paid stream spread thin to dodge obvious spikes.
Cross-posted text: the same review copied word-for-word onto other businesses, a farm seeding a whole chain.
Throwaway accounts: single-review profiles padding the average up.
Review solicitation: reviewers themselves reporting that the business rewards, pressures, or steers reviews (“free dessert if you leave 5 stars”). An LLM reads every such mention; only firsthand reports of policy-violating practices count, and the penalty deepens with each independent witness. Politely asking for a review is allowed by Google and never counted.
Too-perfect records: a spotless, unanimous 5 star history often signals curated or incentivized reviews, so it can't earn a top grade, even when we can't prove fraud.

what's the “adjusted rating”?

What hard-to-fake reviewers actually give, vs the headline number. A gap means the rating is inflated. Two groups qualify:

Credible reviewers are Local Guides who also wrote a substantive review. The badge alone is gameable (farms run Local Guide accounts that drop bare 5 star ratings), so we only count ones that put real words behind the stars.
Established accounts have 30+ lifetime reviews, regardless of badge or text. Farms pad accounts with a handful of reviews to look plausible, but aging thousands of accounts past 30 is the expensive part.

Each place is anchored to whichever group gives the more conservative rating. When a place corrects the headline number, the “per credible reviewers” / “per established accounts” label tells you which.

where does the review data come from?

From the agents and scripts that submit it. Every submission is checked for structure and consistency (Google's own review and profile ids, timestamps against displayed dates, the rating average against the displayed rating, the count against the listed count, overlap with what we already hold), and a place submitted by one unconfirmed source carries an unverified source note until a second, independent submission agrees. Places we pulled ourselves before October 2026 need no such note.

what does a high score mean?

It means we found no evidence the business is manipulating or inflating its own reviews. It does not promise the rating is accurate: a clean place can still be mis-rated by too few reviews, reviewers who self-select, or honest reviews that just don't match your experience. We measure whether the number looks gamed, not whether it's right.