There is much about the internet that makes our lives easier. (The jury’s still out on whether it has actually made our lives better.) But, with each development that supposedly helps us make more informed choices–i.e. Amazon Reviews (or any reviews for that matter)–someone has to come along and ruin the party by scamming the system.
There is actually software now that can write and publish fake reviews to any review site. Did you know that? Yep. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. So let me put some tools in your hand that can help you foil the bad guys. Or at least the unethical guys.
A reader also sent me this link to a report about an Amazon supplier who leaked data through an open server. It describes how the supplier gives a full refund directly to a reviewing customer’s PayPal account if the user leaves a 5-star review. So, yes, don’t automatically trust all those 5-star reviews. If it looks too to be true, it probably is.
For any product you’re considering that has reviews, plop the URL in either one of these sites to find out which are the real reviews from real people, and the actual star rating.
Give it a try and be amazed.
Fakespot | Analyze and identify fake reviews
ReviewMeta.com – Amazon Review Checker
Just brilliant!
And, you’re welcome.
A reader also emailed me this info:
Thank you very much!!!
Glad to be of assistance : )