Yelp Catches More Companies Buying Fake Reviews
This week, Yelp issued another round of consumer alerts, or pop-up messages warning customers that a business was caught ‘red-handed’ trying to purchase fake reviews.
SAN FRANCISCO — Yelp issued another round of consumer alerts this week, which means eight more businesses have been flagged for scheming to purchase fake consumer reviews.
No car dealers received consumer alerts in the latest round, and Yelp Spokesperson Kristen Whisenand was unable to provide an exact number of how many were affected in past rounds of alerts. She says Yelp will issue a new round of alerts next week.
“The advice to car dealers is the same: Yelp takes this type of behavior very seriously. Not only is it misleading to consumers, it's also against Yelp's [terms of service]. What's more, reviewers could violate [Federal Trade Commission] guidelines if they write a review without disclosing that they were compensated.”
Since October 2012, Yelp has issued more than 150 consumer alerts on its website, Whisenand said. The consumer alerts are implemented to protect consumers and keep the site’s credibility intact.
In addition to its computer-run filters that check each review, Yelp has a dedicated team of staff who run sting operations. Yelp’s Director of Public Policy Luther Lowe says the company responds to businesses that post ads on sites like Craigslist that seek out individuals willing to post fraudulent reviews on the business’ Yelp page. Those e-mail exchanges are then used as evidence for Yelp visitors to view when a business is flagged with a consumer alert.
“By protecting consumers, we’re actually protecting small business owners, because if you’ve got Car Dealer A who’s participating in that type of nefarious behavior, that’s not fair to Car Dealer B across the street who’s running a great business, providing customers with great service at a good price and an honest deal.”
“These [types of companies] should think long and hard about their legal exposure before they post or purchase fake reviews.”
Yelp is also wrapped in litigation it brought against a third-party company this past June. The consumer review site alleges the business operates two websites, AdBlaze.com and BuyYelpReview.com, designed to post fake reviews for companies.
— Stephanie Forshee
More F&I
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →