Summary: A report by CloudSEK reveals a sophisticated fraudulent review network undermining the integrity of online shopping. This scheme involves eCommerce sellers, marketing agencies, mediators, and recruited reviewers working collaboratively to fabricate positive reviews. The manipulation of product ratings erodes trust and distorts competition within the online marketplace.
Affected: eCommerce platforms and consumers
Keypoints :
- Collaborations between sellers and marketing agencies orchestrate fake review operations.
- Mediators manage transactions and coordinate review operations through internal portals and messaging apps.
- Reviewers submit false positive reviews in exchange for incentives, including full or partial refunds.
- The “empty box deal” tactic allows reviewers to post fraudulent reviews without receiving an actual product.
- Fake reviews can mislead consumers, leading to poor purchasing decisions and harming ethical businesses.
Source: https://securityonline.info/from-sellers-to-reviewers-exposing-the-fake-review-network/