Fake reviews and subscription traps to be made illegal

Paying someone to write a fake review online will become illegal under new laws, as will offering to write fake reviews for a fee.

Websites such as Amazon and Tripadvisor might be criminally liable unless they take “reasonable steps” to check the reviews are genuine, the Government said.

It’s part of a raft of measures designed to “shield the public from rip-offs and boost competition”. These include forcing companies to make it easier for people to cancel subscriptions so they are “not stuck paying for things they no longer want”.

Firms will also have to remind customers that a free trial or cheap introductory offer is coming to an end, and before a contract automatically renews.

A typical UK household spends around £900 each year after being influenced by online reviews, the Government claimed, and spends £60 on subscriptions they don’t want.

Consumer Minister Paul Scully said the rules will make sure “consumer protections keep pace with a modern, digitised economy”.

He added: “No longer will you visit a 5 starreviewed restaurant only to find a burnt lasagne or get caught in a subscription in which there’s no end in sight”.

In addition, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will be given greater powers to “tackle rip-offs and bad business practices”.

It will be able to fine firms up to 10 per cent of their global turnover for mistreating customers, replacing a court process which the Government said can take years.

The rules will apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Consumer protection is a devolved issue in Northern Ireland. Read more at Gov.uk: www.snipca.com/41701.