Some sites go to great lengths to verify the authenticity of reviews. Others are loosey-goosy, letting more fake reviews squeak through. Here’s how five of the biggest sites stack up.
Angie’s List Anonymous reviews aren’t allowed on this site, which has stiff verification policies. Critics must submit their name, address, phone number and e-mail with a review, and they must sign a form affirming that their comments reflect firsthand experience.
Expedia Only travelers who booked a room through the site can post a review of that hotel. Expedia says it takes “multiple steps” to verify its write-ups are only from paying guests.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Amazon Anyone who has used an Amazon account to buy something can submit a review of any item without proving he or she bought it. To help crack down on fake reviews, Amazon slaps a Verified Purchase badge on write-ups by people who actually bought the product (instead of receiving it as a freebie or at a deep discount).
Yelp Filters try to weed out phony reviews, but anyone can leave a comment about a business without proving he or she is a paying customer.
TripAdvisor The travel site’s open-door policy allows anyone to post a hotel review without a proof of stay. “We do not fact-check reviews,” the site says. Limiting comments to verified customers, it adds, would mean that travelers might “miss out on a wealth of other useful feedback.”
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
