LEARN TO SPOT THOSE FAKES. WHETHER YOU’RE HIRING A CONTRACTOR LOOKING FOR AN APARTMENT OR SHOPPING ONLINE. CHANCES ARE YOU’VE CHECKED OUT ONLINE REVIEWS. COMPANIES RELY ON REVIEWS TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD. BUT THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION SAYS SOME COMPANIES WRITE POSTS OR PAY FOR FAKE REVIEWS. THE FTC MONITORS THE MARKETPLACE AND BRINGS CASES AGAINST COMPANIES USING DECEPTIVE AND UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES. THE AGENCY RECENTLY SENT WARNING LETTERS TO COMPANIES URGING THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR REVIEWS AND REMOVE ANY DECEPTIVE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS. IF A COMPANY CREATES, BUYS OR POSTS FAKE REVIEWS, OR GIVES INCENTIVES FOR ONLY POSITIVE REVIEWS, THAT MAY TRIGGER FTC ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND FINES, THE FTC SAYS. LOOK AT A VARIETY OF SOURCES AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHETHER A WEBSITE OR ITS REVIEWS ARE INDEPENDENT OR SPONSORED. ALSO, CHECK HOW RECENT THE REVIEWS ARE. AND WATCH FOR A BURST OF REVIEWS OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THAT CAN SOMETIMES MEAN THE REVIEWS ARE FAKE, AND YOU CAN REPORT THE FAKE REVIEWS TO THE FTC THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. REPORT FRAUD FTC, G
FTC warns consumers about fake business reviews | How to spot them
Updated: 6:22 PM EST Jan 5, 2026
Editorial Standards
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about fake business reviews, highlighting the need for caution when hiring contractors, searching for apartments or shopping online.Fake reviews Companies often rely on reviews to stand out, but the FTC has found that some businesses write, post or pay for fake reviews.The FTC monitors the marketplace and takes action against companies using deceptive and unfair business practices.Recently, the agency sent warning letters to companies, urging them to review and remove any deceptive or misleading statements from their reviews.If a company creates, buys or posts fake reviews, or offers incentives for only positive reviews, it may face FTC enforcement actions and fines.How to spot deceptionThe FTC advises consumers to look at a variety of sources and check whether a website or its reviews are independent or sponsored.Consumers should consider how recent the reviews are and be wary of a sudden burst of reviews over a short period, which can indicate fake reviews.Reporting fake reviewsConsumers can report fake reviews to the FTC through the website “reportfraud.ftc.gov.”
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about fake business reviews, highlighting the need for caution when hiring contractors, searching for apartments or shopping online.
Fake reviews
Companies often rely on reviews to stand out, but the FTC has found that some businesses write, post or pay for fake reviews.
The FTC monitors the marketplace and takes action against companies using deceptive and unfair business practices.
Recently, the agency sent warning letters to companies, urging them to review and remove any deceptive or misleading statements from their reviews.
If a company creates, buys or posts fake reviews, or offers incentives for only positive reviews, it may face FTC enforcement actions and fines.
How to spot deception
- The FTC advises consumers to look at a variety of sources and check whether a website or its reviews are independent or sponsored.
- Consumers should consider how recent the reviews are and be wary of a sudden burst of reviews over a short period, which can indicate fake reviews.
Reporting fake reviews
Consumers can report fake reviews to the FTC through the website “reportfraud.ftc.gov.”
