Last night news broke that some businesses have being paying for fake online customer reviews to trick consumers and bolster trade. Research suggests that around 20 per cent of reviews posted are false.
The independent company Competition and Market Authority is to investigate and will clamp down on these illegal practices. In the meantime, here’s the GHI guide to avoid falling prey to online review scams:
How to spot a fake
Language is key to spotting a fake online review. Real consumer reviews tend to be more reserved when it comes to raving about a product. So be wary about overzealous praise. Look for reviews that focus on specifics of how a product performed. Also watch out for jargon, exact model numbers are a dead giveaway. Another way thing to look out for is timing. If there is an influx of positive comments within a short period of time it may signal a problem. Lastly some sites, such as Amazon, cross reference reviews with their buyer database and identify them as ‘verified purchasers’ of particular products.
Power in numbers
If you’re still a little hesitant about making a purchase, compare comments from across several sites. This should certainly give you a clearer picture as to the quality of the product.
Trust the GHI
Our moto is Tried and Tested. We pride ourselves on our rigorous testing procedures and providing honest, trustworthy reviews. We test each product thoroughly, often over a period of weeks, in rigorous conditions. And we always give you our honest opinion so that you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Like this? You’ll love…
Tablet reviews
When was the last time you changed your password
More GHI news
