Around 100 businesses caught buying fake reviews in largest probe by Singapore's competition watchdog
In the first phase of the investigation, 45 businesses that admitted to purchasing bogus reviews from the sole director of digital marketing firm Reputifly will have to apologise publicly and commit to removing such reviews.
In Singapore, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) has launched its largest investigation to date, targeting around 100 businesses accused of buying fake reviews online. The probe centers on 45 businesses, including restaurants and hair salons, which admitted to purchasing bogus reviews from a sole director of digital marketing firm Reputifly.
These companies must publicly apologize, commit to removing existing fake reviews, and report progress in doing so. The remaining 55 businesses will be investigated in a subsequent phase. Fake review services were offered through platforms like Google, Facebook, Tripadvisor, Carousell, Yelp, and Trustpilot. The fraudulent reviews were generated using AI to mimic genuine customer experiences.
The provider, Reputifly, also offered fake review services through websites BuyReviewSG and GetReviewSG. Businesses found guilty of using fake reviews may face legal consequences, including restitution or damages.
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