A recent investigation by verification firm KwikChex has highlighted concerns regarding suspected investment scam companies manipulating Trustpilot’s review system. The report indicates that these scammers are creating fraudulent five-star ratings to attract potential investors. They are reportedly using a range of tactics, including fake reviews, forged certificates, and even impersonating legitimate businesses.
One case involved an operator masquerading as a regulated law firm that claimed to assist investors in recovering lost funds, despite lacking a recognized listing with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The investigation notes that scammers often employ networks of fake reviewers who not only post positive feedback for linked companies but also critique competitors. Such activity has raised alarms due to patterns identified in the language and behavior of these reviews. Further scrutiny revealed issues like virtual office addresses and falsified incorporation documents linked to various alleged scam companies.
In response to the findings, Trustpilot has initiated an investigation and removed several impactful reviews, including the takedown of an entire review page. The rise of fake reviews has become a business in itself, leading to regulatory measures in places like the UK, where it is now illegal to host or commission fabricated feedback. Trustpilot uses artificial intelligence to detect and eliminate fake reviews, reportedly removing 7.4% of submissions in 2024 compared to 6.1% the previous year.
Notably, a company named Crypto-Benefits247 had its rating decreased from 4.7 to 2.8 after its practices were called into question. Another company, Oakvests Crypto, was noted for using a video of a chief executive from a different firm to bolster its credibility. Trustpilot has stated it takes the integrity of reviews seriously and is continually enhancing its systems. They have removed fabricated reviews and issued alerts on concerning profiles while acknowledging they do not always get it right. The ongoing nature of the investigation aims to further address these fraudulent activities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/19/scam-investment-firms-exploit-trustpilot-review-kwikchex