Why some tech companies posted fake reviews?

[hajime]

Hi, I was asked by a company to give good reviews on products that I had never used in exchange for some discounts. Probably they also asked their employees to post fake reviews. It is possible that some of them also exaggerated on what their products are capable of. Why some companies especially those selling in Amazon are doing that? Don't they know that even some of us fall into the trap and purchase the product, we could still return for a full refund? At the end, isn't it a lost on the company side?

 

[Wando64]

I hope you refused and reported them

 

[wonderings]

Because it makes them money. Even if some return it for a refund the majority won't. If they did not make money they would stop and go on to the next scam. People in general toss out morals and ethics when easy money is on the line.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Hi, I was asked by a company to give good reviews on products that I had never used in exchange for some discounts. Probably they also asked their employees to post fake reviews. It is possible that some of them also exaggerated on what their products are capable of. Why some companies especially those selling in Amazon are doing that? Don't they know that even some of us fall into the trap and purchase the product, we could still return for a full refund? At the end, isn't it a lost on the company side?

There are thousands (hundreds of thousands or maybe millions?) fake reviews on Amazon. Of course Amazon is not the only one. Most webshops have this problem, because it is quite difficult/almost impossible for them to check.

Take all online reviews (webshops/hotels/restaurants/vacations etc.) with a big bag of salt. Fake reviews are almost becoming an industry/revenue model on its own at the moment. In the country I live in investigation takes place how big this problem is and what (if anything) can be done about it.

Always use your common sense. If you see a very positive review on an external 16 TB USB SSD (from China) which only costs $80,- it is obvious that the review must be fake, because that is too good to be true.

To answer your question 'why?': Because it is profitable and a form of free/cheap advertising. Also bashing the competition in fake reviews can serve a purpose. Is it ethical or even legal? No. But ethics go out of the window when money is involved.

 

[appltech]

I suppose it's more about competition rather than money (I'm not saying it doesn't matter)
And maybe because of some nasty managers who're promising good numbers on the paper today without caring about tomorrow
It's not a bad strategy, but in fewer cases only

 

[hajime]

I hope you refused and reported them

In the product I bought, there was a coupon for next purchase. When I contacted them they requested me to make fake reviews. I complained and then they said that I don't have to do that if I don't want to and gave me the discount.

 

[hajime]

Sometimes I made the purchase based on those reviews and found that they do not work as advertised and made the returns. It is not good for my record as Amazon could ban me for returning again and again.