Fake reviews are becoming common these days to damage the reputation of businesses. Many start-ups that lack a strong customer database or have low levels of customer satisfaction are engaging in new levels of betrayal to gain undeserved popularity, for example by creating false positive reviews for themselves. These new acts of deception help businesses attract future customers who fall victim to such reviews. Dot Com Media is a responsible corporate citizen and wants to raise awareness among local businesses to be on the lookout for such a ruse.

Most consumers rely on customer reviews to judge the performance of an online or local business. Due to a lack of personal experience, customers tend to evaluate the services and products sold by the company based on positive and negative testimonials. Incompetent companies that lack professionalism and ethics may engage in dishonest practices to improve their business prospects in front of customers by posting false and negative reviews on their competitor’s website.

Such reviews are mostly done by themselves, using fake names to trick customers into leaving the website’s products or services. By posting fake reviews, incompetent companies damage the reputation of their competitors. Dot Com Media urges its customers and local businesses to be vigilant against such activities, which are nefarious and designed to help incapable businesses sell their inept products or services with no real value for money.

Here are some tips for identifying fake websites and reviews:

Payment options

Check the payment options listed by the company, there are many merchants that offer refund services in case the customer is not satisfied. For example, a great way to transact securely online is by paying through PayPal, which is widely accepted in the US and any reputable service provider would have a PayPal payment feature. Companies that offer unsecured payment options, such as direct debit from your credit card or debit card, put the customer at risk.

Commercial Guarantees

Check the guarantees offered by the business. Most companies offer some type of guarantee to gain the trust of a potential customer. Very commonly, online companies will post money-back guarantees in case of dissatisfaction. Any professional company would list their terms and conditions, stating the additional services they offer to their clients.

Check the reviews

Always read the reviews posted on the website and keep an eye out for the positive ones. If a review is very favorable to the company and mentions almost all of its services, it is likely a false testimonial. Businesses can now hire freelancers to write fake reviews of their services, typically generating an unusual amount of positive feedback.

Here are some ways to spot fake reviews on a website and conveniently avoid the trap. Dot Com Media always engages in ethical practices and encourages other businesses to conduct business with honesty and integrity.