Author:KUMARI PRITY OF ASIAN LAW COLLEGE.
To the Point
Fake reviews are one of the biggest problems in online shopping today. Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce platform, has millions of products. When customers buy things online, they cannot see or touch the product, so they rely heavily on reviews to make decisions. Reviews help people decide whether a product is good or bad.
However, many sellers have found ways to cheat this system. They post fake reviews—either writing overly positive reviews about their own product or posting false negative reviews about their competitors. This is done to increase their product’s visibility, rankings, and sales. Sometimes, these reviews are written by real people who are paid, and sometimes they are written by bots (automated accounts).
The article dives deep into how these fake reviews work, who is behind them, what the law says about them, and how it affects consumers and the overall trust in digital marketplaces.
Use of Legal Jargon (Explained Simply)
In legal terms, many words and phrases apply to this scam. Here’s what they mean in simple language:
- Misrepresentation: When someone presents false information to trick someone else. In this case, it’s fake product reviews used to mislead buyers.
- Fraudulent Practice: Any action taken dishonestly to gain benefit, such as writing fake reviews to increase product sales.
- Unfair Trade Practice: A business activity that cheats or misleads customers. Posting or paying for fake reviews falls under this category.
- Consumer Protection: Laws created to protect buyers from being cheated, especially in cases where businesses provide misleading information.
- Deceptive Advertising: Advertising that is false or misleading. Fake reviews are considered a form of this because they influence purchasing decisions unfairly.
- Evidentiary Proof: Real evidence presented in a legal case. To prove someone posted fake reviews, you need screenshots, emails, or payment records.
- Platform Liability: The responsibility of platforms like Amazon. If they knowingly allow fake reviews or ignore complaints, they can also be held responsible in some cases.
The Proof
This section looks at real evidence from investigations, news reports, and tech findings to prove that fake reviews are not just a theory—they are a real and growing problem.
1. BBC Investigation (2021)
Undercover journalists found companies offering free products and money in exchange for 5-star Amazon reviews. They posed as customers and were offered deals like “Write a 5-star review and get a full refund.”
2. Fakespot and ReviewMeta Reports
These two websites help detect fake reviews. They use AI and data analysis. They discovered that 30–40% of Amazon reviews are suspicious, meaning they might not be honest or real.
3. Wall Street Journal Findings
This newspaper found that sellers use bots and fake accounts to flood Amazon with positive reviews. These reviews are often posted within hours or days of a product’s release.
4. Facebook Groups
Thousands of groups exist on Facebook where sellers connect with fake reviewers. These groups work secretly, promising free products or payments in exchange for good reviews.
5. Consumer Reports & TechCrunch
These reports reveal that fake reviews are not limited to electronics—they’re also found in makeup, clothing, toys, and health products. Some people even reported getting products with fake safety certifications.
Abstract
Fake reviews are a modern scam in the digital world. They are created not by real product experiences but by sellers or hired agents who write them to boost sales or hurt competitors.
Major Problems:
- Buyers are cheated – They trust reviews and make decisions based on false information. This can lead to wasting money or even buying unsafe products.
- Honest sellers suffer – Sellers who don’t cheat lose out because their honest products get buried under products with fake 5-star ratings.
- Amazon’s trust is damaged – Customers start doubting the platform itself. If people can’t trust the reviews, they may stop shopping online altogether.
This scam is not limited to one country. It’s global. From the USA and UK to India and China, fake reviews are everywhere. Though governments have started making laws, scammers are always one step ahead with new tricks.
CASE LAWS~
- Amazon v. Facebook Group Admins (2022, United States and Global)
🔹 Background:
- Amazon discovered that over 10,000 Facebook groups were being used as marketplaces for buying and selling fake reviews.
- These groups had names like “Amazon Product Review” or “Free Amazon Products.”
- Sellers would offer refunds or cash payments in exchange for 5-star reviews.
- Reviewers would buy the product, leave a glowing review, and later get paid or reimbursed.
🔹 Legal Issue:
- The scam was large-scale and cross-border, involving people from the US, UK, India, and other countries. It harmed Amazon’s marketplace and violated both Amazon’s policies and consumer protection laws.
🔹 Action Taken:
- Amazon filed civil lawsuits against the administrators of these Facebook groups.
- It worked with Facebook (Meta) to shut down the groups and identify those responsible.
- Amazon’s legal team stated that these groups were trying to “game the system” and deceive customers.
🔹 Legal Grounds:
- Amazon cited violations of its Terms of Service and engaged anti-fraud enforcement by civil litigation.
🔹 Why It’s Important:
- It shows platforms like Amazon are now using courts to protect their credibility.
- It reflects a growing trend where private companies are taking legal action in addition to governments.
It also highlights how social media platforms can be misused for illegal activity
2. India – Consumer Protection Act, 2019
🔹 Background:
- Although no high-profile fake review cases have gone to court in India yet, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, provides strong legal tools to deal with them.
🔹 Relevant Legal Provisions:
- Section 2(47): Defines “Unfair Trade Practice” to include misrepresentations, misleading advertisements, and fake reviews.
- Section 21: Gives the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) the power to act against companies or individuals who mislead consumers.
🔹 Punishments Under the Law:
- Fine up to ₹10 lakh for the first mistake.
- Up to ₹50 lakh for doing it again.
- Orders to take down misleading ads or reviews
- Orders to stop the sale of a product if it’s found to be involved in unfair practices
🔹 Example Scenario:
- If a company in India is found posting fake reviews for its product on Amazon (or paying others to do so), a complaint can be filed with the CCPA.
🔹 Why It’s Important:
- It shows that India now has a modern legal framework to fight digital fraud.
- It empowers consumers to file complaints if they feel they’ve been misled by fake reviews.
Conclusion
- The Amazon fake reviews scam is a digital version of a traditional fraud. It is dangerous because it targets the trust we place in the internet. Online shoppers often believe what they see and read. When that is based on lies, it becomes a legal and ethical problem.
- Governments are slowly catching up by creating laws and giving consumer bodies more power. Platforms like Amazon are using AI and filing lawsuits. But the responsibility also lies with us—as consumers—to be alert and cautious.
- Always check for “Verified Purchase” tags.
- Look at the pattern of reviews (too many in one day could be fake).
- Use tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta to scan product pages.
- Report any suspicious activity to Amazon or government agencies.
- Only with collective efforts—by law, platforms, and people—can we end this digital scam.
FAQ
Q1. What are fake reviews?
- Fake reviews are comments posted by people who either did not buy the product or were paid to post dishonest opinions. They are often overly positive or very negative without real experience.
Q2. Why are fake reviews used?
- They are used to increase sales and rankings by creating a false image of a product’s quality. Some sellers even use them to damage a rival’s reputation.
Q3. Are fake reviews illegal in India?
- Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, fake reviews are considered an Unfair Trade Practice. Penalties include fines up to ₹50 lakhs.
Q4. Can Amazon be blamed for fake reviews?
- Partially, yes. If Amazon doesn’t act on reports or continues allowing sellers who break the rules, it can be considered negligent. That’s why courts in the UK and the US have pushed Amazon to clean up its system.
Q5. What should I do if I see a fake review?
- Click on the “Report Abuse” option next to the review.
- Contact Amazon’s customer service.
- Share your concern on review-checking platforms.
Q6. Can I sue if I bought a product due to fake reviews?
- Yes, if you can prove loss or harm, you may file a complaint in the Consumer Court under fraud and misrepresentation.
Q7. How does Amazon detect fake reviews?
- Amazon uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that check the speed, location, and wording of reviews. It also bans accounts that are repeatedly involved in such activities.
Q8. Is there any way to avoid fake reviews?
- Yes:
- Use platforms like Fakespot or ReviewMeta.
- Read the 1-star and 2-star reviews too—they often reveal real issues
