When shopping online, you probably rely on reviews to ensure you’re getting good value for your money. However, with fake product reviews becoming increasingly prevalent, just relying on them might not be sufficient these days.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, it’s crucial to know how to differentiate between genuine and fake reviews before making a purchase.
According to WalletHub writer and analyst Chip Lupo, reviews can be a valuable resource when buying online.
“It is genuine feedback; it’s almost like you’re talking to a friend,” Lupo explains. “You get that sense if you know the reviews are authentic.”
However, determining if a review is authentic isn’t always straightforward. Lupo offers some advice on spotting fake reviews.
Check the review date
“If you notice a lot of reviews appearing in a short timeframe, that might be a red flag,” Lupo advises.
Be wary of repetitive language
“If you read 10 reviews that all say the same thing, it could indicate they are fabricated,” Lupo warns.
Pay attention to the user posting the review
“Fake reviews often have generic names, lack profile pictures, or only have one review,” Lupo adds. “Keep an eye out for these signs.”
Determine if the reviewer paid for the product
Some companies, like Amazon, offer programs such as Amazon Vine, where consumers receive free products in exchange for reviews.
“That can skew the feedback,” notes Lupo. While such programs can provide benefits, it’s worth noting if a reviewer received the product for free, though it might not always be clear.
“The retailer doesn’t always disclose that,” Lupo explains. “So, you may not know if the review was incentivized.”
Watch out for “review hijacking”
Review hijacking occurs when old reviews for different products are used to artificially boost the ratings of a new item. Lupo mentioned experiencing this while shopping for a new car.
“You might find reviews for a different model year or another car line, so be very careful,” he advises.
In August, the FTC announced a new rule prohibiting fake or false consumer reviews.
If you suspect a review is fake, report it to assist other consumers and avoid wasting your money.
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Black Friday 2024: Essential Guide to Early Holiday Shopping
