Small businesses across the tri-state area are being hit by a new scam involving fake online reviews.

A Kane in Your Corner investigation found scammers are posting dozens of negative reviews and then demanding money to remove them, according to investigators.

Google says it uses advanced technology to detect fake reviews, but some experts are skeptical.

Kay Dean, an online review fraud investigator, said businesses worldwide are being targeted. "Essentially Google has a whack-a-mole approach to this really global problem. It's really inadequate," Dean said.

Experts say even when fake reviews are removed, scammers can hide their history and continue extorting more businesses.

Google did not respond to a request for comment.