Are consumers aware of fake social proof?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:45 am
One of the most common questions we get is, “Yes, but are online consumers actually aware that they’re seeing fake social proof?” The simple answer is YES! As well as fake sales notifications, there are other black hat strategies that companies use, such as fake reviews, fake followers and likes, and fake influencers. But as we said, none of these strategies last very long. People are becoming more aware of false advertising claims, fake reviews, and other misleading strategies.
You’ll find customers active on forums and review sites who post fake reviews to make others aware. Here’s one we found on a forum where two reviews for a product were identical.”fake reviewsThis did not please the visitors and not only did they not buy from the seller, but they also told everyone about what had happened.
These practices have led to an increasingly loud voice seeking regulations on these unethical practices.
There’s even a term for it – “dark patterns” – which is when online female database retailers use web design and verbal cues to guide customers to make a decision or click on something.
Consumer groups have been studying “dark patterns” and publishing reports on them, urging companies to be as transparent as possible. They’ve also been watching hotel booking sites , travel sites, and e-commerce sites for deceptive practices. With all this information and awareness, it’s easy for consumers to spot fake social proof. When this happens, you can be sure they’ll never come back to your site again. And if it gets out on social media, it could turn into a major scandal with irreparable damage.
It's safe to say this is not good for business.
You’ll find customers active on forums and review sites who post fake reviews to make others aware. Here’s one we found on a forum where two reviews for a product were identical.”fake reviewsThis did not please the visitors and not only did they not buy from the seller, but they also told everyone about what had happened.
These practices have led to an increasingly loud voice seeking regulations on these unethical practices.
There’s even a term for it – “dark patterns” – which is when online female database retailers use web design and verbal cues to guide customers to make a decision or click on something.
Consumer groups have been studying “dark patterns” and publishing reports on them, urging companies to be as transparent as possible. They’ve also been watching hotel booking sites , travel sites, and e-commerce sites for deceptive practices. With all this information and awareness, it’s easy for consumers to spot fake social proof. When this happens, you can be sure they’ll never come back to your site again. And if it gets out on social media, it could turn into a major scandal with irreparable damage.
It's safe to say this is not good for business.