Amazon is proactively combating the issue of fake reviews, which are primarily driven by an illicit "fake review broker" industry. These brokers, posing as legitimate businesses, solicit customers to write fake reviews in exchange for money, free products, or other incentives. Amazon uses a combination of machine-learning models and expert investigators to ensure the authenticity of every review. Legal action is also being taken against these brokers to prevent fake reviews from reaching customers. In 2023, Amazon blocked over 250 million suspected fake reviews.
Amazon is also pursuing legal action against specific fake review brokers. A notable case was against Auction Sentinel, a website that sold fake five-star "verified" seller feedback to inflate ratings in Amazon’s store. The court granted disgorgement damages, requiring the defendants to forfeit any profits made from their illegal conduct. The website domain has since been transferred to Amazon.
Progress has also been made on three additional lawsuits:
- Amazon v. AmzonReview.com: AmzonReview.com sold fake positive product reviews and used Amazon customer accounts to publish fake content.
- Amazon v. Dragon-Dealz.com: Dragon-Dealz.com provided a platform for bad actors to offer refunds to prospective reviewers in exchange for a fake positive review.
- Amazon v. Reviewerschannel.com: Reviewerschannel.com facilitated fake positive product reviews and seller feedback by offering product refunds to prospective reviewers.
Amazon, which pioneered online product reviews in 1995, is committed to ensuring reviews remain a trustworthy resource for customers. These legal actions are part of Amazon's ongoing efforts to protect its customers and selling partners from fraudsters.
