Black Friday deals are calling your name, but how do you know if that “5-star rated product” is actually worth your money?
With so many fake reviews floating around, it’s easy to get tricked into buying something that’s not as great as it seems.
Don’t worry—we’re here to help you spot fake reviews and make smarter shopping decisions.
1. Look for Over-the-Top Language
If a product review sounds too good to be true—like “This is the BEST product I’ve EVER used!!! Life-changing!!!!”—it might be fake. Fake reviews often exaggerate to make a product sound flawless.
What to Do:
- Look for balanced reviews that mention both pros and cons. Real buyers usually have a mix of opinions, even if they love the product.
2. Check the Reviewer’s Profile
Fake reviewers tend to have profiles that look suspiciously empty or overly active. If a user has only written glowing reviews or reviewed a ton of unrelated products in a short time, that’s a red flag.
What to Do:
- Click on the reviewer’s name and check their history. Do their reviews seem genuine, or are they all suspiciously similar?
3. Beware of Reviews That Sound the Same
If you see multiple reviews that repeat the same phrases or sound like they were copied and pasted, those are likely fake. Scammers often use templates or bots to flood a product page with fake feedback.
What to Do:
- Look for variety in how reviews are written. Genuine reviews tend to have more personal touches and unique details.
4. Check the Timing of Reviews
A flood of reviews posted on the same day or within a short time frame is often a sign of a review campaign. Real reviews trickle in over time, not all at once.
What to Do:
- Sort reviews by “Newest” to see if there’s a suspicious pattern in how they were posted.
5. Watch Out for Fake or Overused Images
Product reviews with photos can be helpful, but scammers sometimes use fake or stock images to make their reviews look real. Be wary if the images look overly polished, generic, or unrelated to the product.
What to Do:
- Look for images that show the product in real, everyday settings—like on a kitchen counter or in someone’s hand.
- Use reverse image search tools (like Google Lens) to check if the photo appears elsewhere online. If it’s on multiple sites for different products, it’s likely fake.
- Pay attention to consistency. If the photos don’t match the product description (e.g., a different model or color), that’s a red flag.
6. Pay Attention to Verified Purchases
Many platforms label reviews from people who actually bought the product as “Verified Purchase.” Fake reviewers often skip this step because they haven’t bought the product.
What to Do:
- Prioritize verified reviews over general ones, as they’re more likely to be authentic.
7. Watch for Reviews That Don’t Match the Product
Ever read a glowing review of a coffee maker on a page for a smartphone? Fake reviews sometimes end up on the wrong product pages because scammers spam multiple listings.
What to Do:
- Make sure the review actually talks about the product you’re considering.
Wrap-Up: Shop Smart This Black Friday
Fake reviews are everywhere, but they’re no match for a savvy shopper like you. By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can find genuine feedback and make confident purchases this Black Friday. Don’t let scammers ruin your holiday shopping—shop smart and snag the deals you deserve!
