Online reviews are increasingly fake, say researchers. Here's why, and how to spot them
Consumers turn to online reviews to help us with everything from shopping for shoes to finding a dentist. But a former U.S. federal investigator says so many are fake reviews — written by people paid to post — that she no longer believes people should rely on them.
![Online reviews are increasingly fake, say researchers. Here's why, and how to spot them](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7148853.1710877344!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/online-shopping-credit-card.jpg)
![A former U.S. federal criminal investigator and consumer advocate says so many online reviews are fakes written by people paid to post that she no longer believes people should rely on them for guidance. Man using blank screen smart phone for digital banking and holding credit card for internet payment, online shopping on website via laptop computer.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7148853.1710877344!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/online-shopping-credit-card.jpg)
Consumers turn to online reviews to help us with everything from shopping for shoes to finding a dentist. But a former U.S. federal investigator says so many are fake reviews — written by people paid to post — that she no longer believes people should rely on them.