What is Fake Reviews?
Fraudulent reviews posted by people who never used the business, either to boost or harm its reputation.
Fake reviews are fabricated ratings posted by individuals who have no genuine customer experience with the business. They come in two forms: fake positive reviews purchased to inflate ratings, and fake negative reviews posted by competitors, disgruntled ex-employees, or trolls to damage a business. Both types violate platform terms of service and can result in penalties.
Why Fake Reviews Matters for Local Businesses
Fake negative reviews can destroy a small business's reputation overnight. A sudden drop from 4.5 to 3.8 stars can cut revenue by 20%+. Knowing how to identify and report fake reviews — and having a strategy to bury them with legitimate ones — is essential for any business that depends on online visibility.
Learn how to fight fake reviews
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