These days, it’s not uncommon for businesses to receive fake reviews on their website or on other review websites across the internet. These fake reviews tend to be defamatory in nature and can lead to a loss in sales or income. However, there are steps that a business can take to remove fake reviews.
In order to remove fake reviews, the business may need to do the following three things:
1.) Report the fake review(s) to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
2.) Report the fake review(s) to the hosting platform
3.) Pursue legal action
The best way to deal with fake reviews often involves a combination of all three of these actions.
Report Fake Reviews to the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission recently made a new ruling which provides businesses with a way to report fake and defamatory reviews. The FTC will now pursue and fine individuals responsible for leaving these types of reviews. However, businesses should not solely rely on the FTC when dealing with fake reviews as this issue needs to be dealt with in a timely manner. Fortunately, pursuing legal action can hasten the process.
Reporting Fake reviews to internet platforms
Many websites that post reviews are taking increasing action to preserve the integrity of their platform by combatting and removing fake reviews themselves. Most of these platforms have policies and guidelines in place that automatically remove any review that appears to be fake. However, every platform is different in their policies regarding this matter, and some policies may be more limited than others.
Keep in mind that some large platforms may have bots that conduct their review process once a claim is submitted. Therefore, it may be more difficult to remove a fake review from these platforms. Nevertheless, flagging and reporting suspicious reviews is a necessary first step in getting them removed.
The following platforms all have procedures for reporting suspicious reviews:
- Amazon
- TripAdvisor
- Trustpilot
- Yelp
- RateMDs
Again, be sure to read each platform’s policies on reporting suspicious content, as each may differ.
Pursuing Legal Action to Remove Fake reviews
If all else fails, fake reviews can be dealt with through legal action under defamation, tortious interference, and unfair competition laws. If your business has become the target of fake reviews, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Legal options will depend on where the reviews were posted, the nature of the reviews, and whether or not you know the identity of the person who left the fake review.
Attorneys will typically send a cease and desist letter or file a lawsuit against the reviewer. Even if the identity of the reviewer is unknown, a John Doe lawsuit can be filed, and through the litigation process, the identity of the reviewer can often be determined.
Fake reviews are becoming a common problem for businesses, but the good news is that they can be dealt with and removed. Thanks to the FTC’s new ruling, this unlawful behavior will hopefully begin to decline.