FAKE ONLINE REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS ARE A HEADACHE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.THEY HOPE THE FTC CAN HELP

Online reviews and testimonials are a key way that small businesses can attract new customers and boost sales of products.

But fake reviews and testimonials have been a persistent problem for small businesses, many of whom rely on recommendations for business. Fake reviews can make it harder for people to trust what they read online and ultimately hurt businesses. In addition, small businesses can find themselves targeted by bad actors who leave negative reviews.

Avi Israeli, a dentist and owner of Sage Dental in Wall, N.J., with 15 staffers, said his business has been targeted by fake and erroneous reviews by people with no connection to his office. In addition, people from other states have confused his practice with a chain with a similar name, and post inaccurate reviews that are hard to get removed.

“They have significantly tarnished our reputation, and are unfortunately very difficult, and costly, to get removed,” he said.

In an effort to combat the problem, the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on those who perpetuate fake reviews online. It issued a final rule that bans their sale or purchase and allows the agency to seek civil penalties against knowing violators.