Online reviews have become a popular way for consumers to
find out more about the goods or services they buy from a business.
Business.gov.au says as a business owner, you have a responsibility to not post
fake or misleading reviews about your products or services on your website, or
any other online review site.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has
released a new guide to help you avoid possible fines from posting misleading
reviews online. The guide gives practical suggestions to help you reduce the
risk of misleading your customers:
· be transparent
about commercial relationships
· don’t ask
others to write reviews about your business if they have not tried your
products or services
· removing or
editing negative reviews can be just as misleading as posting a fake review.
It’s important to remember that fake online reviews are in breach of the
Australian Consumer Law. Making sure reviews on your website aren’t
misleading can help you avoid unwanted fines and comply with the Competition
and Consumer Act 2010. Breaches of the Act can lead to penalties of up to
$1.1 million.
Learn more by downloading the guide Online
reviews: a guide for business and review platforms on the ACCC website. Head to the
ACCC website for advice on managing online reviews.