Most travelers rely on user-submitted online reviews when searching for the best accommodations, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The idea is to go with the high-rated recommendations as they guarantee the best outcome. But if you have used this method more than once, you know that is not always the case.
It is not unusual for businesses to pad their ratings with fake reviews in order to make themselves look better than they are. This is why it is important for travelers to be able to spot fake reviews and avoid a bad experience. Here is how to do it.
Nothing but 5-Star Reviews
There is no perfection in the travel world. If you notice that the establishment has nothing but 5-star reviews, you should immediately become suspicious.
Reviewers Without Credentials
Fake reviews are usually posted by unverified accounts or ones with only a handful of other reviews. Take some time to look at the profiles leaving 5-star reviews and check if they are credible.
Vague Reviews
If a business has plenty of vague reviews that don’t go much in-depth, then there is a good chance they could be fake. Look for places that have in-depth and detailed reviews.
Opposite Scores on Different Platforms
Comparing reviews on different platforms can give you clues about whether the place is in the business of fake reviews. If reviews on one platform are much higher than on some other, something might be fishy.