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SALT LAKE CITY -- Product review blogs, websites and YouTube videos are in abundance online. But how can you tell the difference between legitimate customer reviews versus those that are strategically placed or paid for by the makers of the product?
According to a new study by a team of Cornell researchers, most consumers cannot differentiate between "deceptive opinion spam" and the real deal. However there are a few ways to reduce your chances of being duped:
1. If it sounds too good to be true...
Be skeptical of those glowing reviews. If it reads more like an infommercial, then it probably is.
#poll
2. If it sounds too bitter...Sometimes businesses will place bad reviews for their competitors. Watch out for those reviews that promote another product or provide no legitimate reason for the negative review.
3. Put on your editor's hat
Lengthy reviews or those with spelling/grammar errors aren't reliable indicators to weed out fake reviews. That is a common trick among opinion spammers.
3. Check the source
Many sites have links to reviewer profiles. If their other reviews are for the same company/product with similar wording, then that's probably a clue that they're not legit.
4. Consult many sources
Don't just rely on one reviewer or site. Use several trusted sources to help you in your decision.
Top trusted consumer review sites include:
Consumer Reports: Provides ratings and reviews on cars, electronics, appliances and more.
Epinions: Has real reviews by real people.
Cnet: Unbiased reviews of computers, digital cameras, cell phones and more.
Buzzillions: Reviews from verified buyers of appliances, cell phones, electronics and more.
Consumer Search: This site collects reviews from magazines and other sites, analyzes them and makes a recommendation.
Tequitia Andrews has written about parenting and family issues for several newspapers, magazines and websites.
