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Facebook fake review factories uncovered by Which? investigationFirms paying refunds to buyers who write five-star reviews on Amazon, consumer group saysFake review factories that run on Facebook and manufacture misleading five-star reviews that are then posted on Amazon have been uncovered by investigators from Which?The consumer group said two large Facebook groups – Amazon Deals Group and Amazon UK Reviewers – were behind the unscrupulous practice, along with smaller groups. Together they may have up to 87,000 members potentially engaged in writing fake reviews.Inside the Facebook groups, companies post details of products for which they are seeking positive reviews. The reviewers have to pay for the items – so that Amazon believes the buyer is genuine – but after leaving a glowing review, the company refunds the purchase price through PayPal, and sometimes pays an additional fee.
How to spot a fake review* Do not rely on ratings - delve deeper and read the reviews* Check the dates - look at when the reviews were posted. If many of them were posted in a short time period, it might mean there has been a push for reviews on Facebook groups or other platforms* Impartial reviews - click on some reviewers and check their history. Do they give everything five stars?* Pattern of ratings - are the ratings at different ends of the scale with very little in between? It is rare that people are completely polarised about a productSource: Which?Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said the sellers were effectively "ripping people off" with paid-for reviews.