Researchers uncover underground trade in fake reviews and review removal
Summary
Malwarebytes researchers found underground sellers offering fake five-star reviews, review removal and proxy access; forum users discussed AI-generated reviews. Sellers claimed reviews could evade platform checks, with removal prices ranging from $100 to $1,100.
Key points
- A seller using the handle “aqenova” advertised five-star review generation and negative-review removal for platforms including Google, Trustpilot and Yelp.
- TrustForge claimed its reviews were posted manually and would remain active, and said its private method had enabled more than 10,000 fake reviews.
- Underground services advertised removal of reviews labeled “fake” or “unfair”; listed prices ranged from $100–$200 per review, with one Airbnb offer around $1,100.
- Forum users discussed using AI to create reviews that mimic E-E-A-T; one user claimed fully AI-generated reviews had been indexed by Google.
- A forum seller advertised residential and mobile proxy connections for fake-review campaigns, which can disguise traffic origins.
- The researchers advise checking recent and middle-rated reviews for repeated wording or sudden bursts of high ratings; these patterns are warning signs, not proof of fraud.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Malwarebytes researchers reported underground services selling fake review generation and review removal, including the use of AI to produce reviews and residential or mobile proxies to disguise campaign traffic.
- Impact
- The services could artificially inflate ratings and suppress genuine complaints, misleading consumers and harming businesses’ reputations. Researchers reported sellers’ claims about review volume and evading platform checks; the article does not independently verify those claims.
Products
AirbnbFor instance, one seller advertised Airbnb review removal for around $1,100 per review.GoogleThe seller’s operations span widely used platforms, including Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and various mobile app stores. By simply asking prospective buyers, “Just tell me which platform reviews you need?” the sellerTrustpilotThe seller’s operations span widely used platforms, including Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and various mobile app stores. By simply asking prospective buyers, “Just tell me which platform reviews you need?” the sellerYelpThe seller’s operations span widely used platforms, including Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and various mobile app stores. By simply asking prospective buyers, “Just tell me which platform reviews you need?” the seller