Fraudsters using auction site to sell fake reviews so firms can improve ratings
“They do create a lot of attention so they will all be UK verified accounts. It will be safe because of the accounts that will be used and different IP addresses.”
He added: “This is obviously wrong but, when you’re a small business, I’m sure you can understand that it’s hard to increase your credibility. I own three family restaurants and we’ve been here for 37 years and it’s just incredibly hard.
“Even though you ask your friends and customers to post reviews, nine times out of 10 they just do not care.
“You only get a review if something’s gone wrong.”
Laws under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and Consumer Credit Act entitle customers to request a full refund within 90 days if the goods or services have been sold through misrepresentation.
The laws have reportedly yet to be tested in the UK when it comes to false reviews.
The faker said: “It’s not illegal because otherwise PayPal and eBay would not support this type of thing.
“In terms of risk, you won’t get the police involved. The worst thing that can happen is the reviews are pulled.”
Business review site Trustpilot said: “Advertising for, or buying, fake reviews is illegal and highly unethical and we strongly condemn any business or individuals offering to write fake reviews and engaging in fraudulent behaviour.”
Yell said: “If we became aware of any fake reviews being posted on Yell.com, we would investigate and remove these.”
Auction site eBay pulled the fake review listings after the Sunday Mail highlighted them.
They said: “This type of item is banned and any listings will be removed.”