45 S'pore businesses admit to buying fake reviews from man, have to apologise publicly
Fake 5 stars.
Julian Tung Yan Kai, the sole director of Reputifly Pte. Ltd., has been found responsible for leaving fake reviews for approximately 100 businesses in Singapore. According to a press release by the Competition & Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS), Tung owns and operates two websites, BuyReviewSG and GetReviewSG, which offer businesses fake review services.
The CCS investigation revealed that Tung began providing fake review services in 2023, using Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) to create realistic reviews that incorporated Singapore-specific details and natural imperfections. Tung further refined his services by introducing an online dashboard that generated, managed, and tracked fake reviews, as well as links for clients to view screenshots of the reviews and track their progress.
Tung recruited individuals through Telegram accounts and channels to post the prepared content and ratings, offering to pay them at a reduced rate if the reviews were removed by online platforms. Of the 47 businesses investigated by the CCS, 45 admitted to purchasing fake reviews from Tung. These businesses were required to provide undertakings to cease the purchase or posting of fake reviews, identify and remove existing fake reviews, and publish a public apology for six months.
Tung also committed to stop providing fake review services, issue a public apology for six months on his website, donate proceeds to a Public Character institution of his choice, and not claim any tax deduction for the donation. The CCS emphasizes the importance of consumers relying on genuine online reviews and warns against the deceptive nature of fake reviews, which distort competition and disadvantage honest businesses.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
