The fake review scam. Richard! Whats happening?
Beware of hiring a contractor who tries to fit into someone else's blazer.
Reviews are now up for sale, and negative reviews can be easily buried. Here's someone who wants to sell me google reviews. I get offers like these several times a year
Why You Should Be Cautious About Contractor Reviews
It’s alarming to see contractors with dozens of 5-star reviews appearing at an unnaturally high rate—several a week. As a contractor with nearly a decade of experience, I can tell you that only about 10% of satisfied customers typically leave a review without some form of incentive.
I’ve never solicited reviews, offered discounts, or paid for them. So, where are all these reviews coming from?
Google doesn’t validate reviews, and why would they? With their $250 billion annual revenue from ads, they have no incentive to regulate reviews. In fact, reviews can be bought for as little as $3-$5 and posted over time on social media.
While I appreciate Google for helping my business get noticed, I recommend doing your due diligence before hiring any contractor. 1200 5-star reviews aren’t as trustworthy as they seem.
Many contractors with high ratings are also using Google’s "Pro" program, which is part of an ad auction, not a true endorsement of quality. There's no oversight, and this scheme can deceive consumers into thinking they're hiring the best.
My Advice
Instead of relying solely on online reviews, check your community's social media pages or ask neighbors and coworkers about their experiences with contractors. You’ll hear about us there too—and if you want a referral from someone who's reviewed us, feel free to ask. Most of our clients are happy to provide one.
Comments