Imagine you’re about to buy a new gadget online, and you stumble upon a product with glowing reviews that scream, “Buy me, I’m awesome!” But wait, are those reviews genuine, or are they as fake as my enthusiasm for doing taxes? Welcome to the world of fake reviews, where companies sometimes write, post, or pay for reviews that are as phony as a three-dollar bill. Fear not, dear reader, because the trusty FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is on the case!

The FTC is like the Sherlock Holmes of consumer protection, monitoring the marketplace for deceptive practices. They’ve recently sent out warning letters to companies, reminding them that creating, buying, or posting fake reviews—or bribing customers for only positive ones—could lead to a stern talking-to, financial penalties, or both. So, what can you do in the meantime to protect yourself from falling for these digital traps? Let’s dive in!

Spotting Fake Reviews: Your New Superpower

  1. Diverse Opinions are Key:

    • When you’re browsing reviews, don’t just settle for one site. Check out various sources to get a well-rounded view. And be wary of websites or reviews that seem a little too cozy with the seller. Independence is key, like a cat that refuses to be pet.

  2. Freshness Counts:

    • Pay attention to how recent the reviews are. If you notice a sudden avalanche of rave reviews in a short time, it might be as suspicious as a sudden appearance of unicorns in your backyard. This could be a sign of fake reviews.

  3. Be a Report Hero:

    • If you spot reviews that seem as fishy as a sushi buffet, report them to the platform. This could be Google, Amazon, Walmart, or wherever you see the shady stuff. And don’t forget to inform our friends at the FTC by heading over to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the reporting path for the product or service you’re investigating. If the review category doesn’t fit, choose “Other” and include “fake review” in your comments.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be armed against the dark arts of fake reviews, ensuring that your next online purchase is based on genuine feedback, not fabricated fiction. So go forth, shop wisely, and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it might just be an online tall tale.

For the original scoop, check out the FTC’s article.

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/ftc-warns-businesses-about-fake-reviews