Fake 5-star reviews for S$5 per post: 6 Singapore businesses were caught falsely boosting their online ratings

In Singapore, six businesses have been caught paying for fake online reviews, ranging from a law firm to a maid agency, Channel NewsAsia reported. The businesses were approached online by suppliers offering money for fabricated testimonials, with rates as low as S$5 per review on platforms like Carousell. Some suppliers moved to Telegram and provided ready-made text for businesses to post.

The investigation found that these operations had been running for months. The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act states that fake reviews can mislead consumers and may be considered unfair practices, with potential enforcement action. In 2024, Loft Home Furnishing was found guilty of posting fake five-star reviews involving customer information and photos.

This issue has become more challenging due to advancements in generative AI, which can produce polished reviews swiftly. Signs of potential fake reviews include sudden spikes in five-star ratings, generic language, and accounts with little history. To verify a business's authenticity, one should look for consistent review language, avoid relying solely on star ratings, and consult multiple platforms.