ABOUT GOOGLE REVIEWS

About Google Reviews

Without question, the concept of soliciting accurate reviews from consumers with knowledge was an incredible idea. Unfortunately, like so many other well-intentioned ideas, unscrupulous entities have found a way to turn a profit and make a good thing go bad.

The problem is fake reviews. While it is an illegal activity that may be pursued by the Federal Trade Commission, the distribution of fake Google reviews has become a profitable business for many. Simply google "buy fake Google reviews" and you'll see what we mean.

So what can you, the legal consumer, do to avoid being scammed?

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Here are some tips.

First off, look at the number of reviews and see how they compare with those of other similarly situated attorneys. If for instance, the majority in your area has 30 or 40 reviews and another has several hundred, you can bet your bottom dollar that the majority are fake.

Secondly, closely check out the wording. Since the practice is of dubious legality, many of the companies that undertake this type of business are offshore. The result is that the language in the review is either stilted or grammatically poor.

Third, Click on the review and the reviewer. Notice other places the reviewer has reviewed. The unavoidable earmark of a fake review is when the reviewer is not from the location of the person reviewed and the reviews are scattered over a wide geographical area.

Fourth, look for compliments pertaining to the service that really don't seem to fit the service.

Lastly, look at the names. Initials, such as DM, are generally not utilized in setting up Google accounts.

At Fiandach & Fiandach, we abhor this nefarious and illegal practice. Further, we are pursuing making the intentional use of fake Google reviews by a lawyer a disciplinary violation that could result in suspension or disbarment.

The bottom line is that the best review you can get comes from your community. As far as lawyers go, you have too much at stake to rely on an anonymous and potentially paid-for review. Instead, ask a friend, a relative, a cop, a judge, or someone who has used a particular attorney for their advice.