Fake Online Reviews: Too Good To Be True!

Competition Bureau focuses on fake online reviews during fifth annual “2 Good 2 B True Day”

March 9, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Competition Bureau

About one-third of all online consumer reviews are fake, says a study by a data-mining expert. Also known as "astroturfing," these fake reviews are a real cause of concern for consumers.

Some companies encourage their employees to post positive reviews on websites and other review platforms, or provide their customers with incentives to leave positive reviews. Others hire third parties to endorse products or services by posting what appear to be impartial, genuine and authentic experiences.

Companies that engage in these practices - to boost their own ratings or to lower the ratings of their competitors - are misleading consumers and harming businesses that play by the rules.

Astroturfing is unlike the “real thing”; the closer you look the more you can spot the differences. But, it can be tricky. That’s why today the Competition Bureau and its Fraud Prevention Forum partners are joining together to mark the fifth annual “2 Good 2 B True Day”. In this year’s #2G2BT Twitter Chat, the Bureau will give tips and tools to help Canadians identify fake online reviews, as well as other types of common scams.

Bureau experts (@CompBureau) will be on-line between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. today to help spread the word on how Canadians can protect themselves. Join the conversation by using the #2G2BT hashtag. Please ask questions and share your experiences. The Bureau and its partners will be using the #2G2BT and #FPM2017 hashtag today and throughout the month of March to share information on how to recognize, reject and report fraud.