CrimeJul 10, 2024
US Customs Seizes $10M in Counterfeit JewelryTechnologyJul 25, 2024
Amazon, BBB Sue Website Allegedly Peddling Fake Reviews
They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
Earlier this month, online giant Amazon and the Better Business Bureau filed a joint federal lawsuit against ReviewServiceUSA.com for allegedly selling fake reviews, both positive and negative.
Seattle—Amazon and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have filed a joint lawsuit against the website ReviewServiceUSA.com for allegedly selling fake reviews.
In a lawsuit filed July 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the companies accused the site of using phony customer accounts to share fake positive and negative reviews on Amazon product pages and BBB profiles.
These reviews, said the lawsuit, were sold to people who wanted to boost the ranking and rating of their products and businesses, which can give their pages more visibility.
According to court documents, ReviewServiceUSA.com also allegedly offered to post fake negative reviews to Amazon or a BBB page for those looking to impact a competitor.
In a screenshot shared in court documents, the website advertised a “Buy Amazon Reviews” service, charging $50 for per review.
The screenshot said reviews would be posted from different IP addresses and different devices, and that if Amazon removed the review, ReviewServiceUSA.com would replace it with another review.
ReviewServiceUSA.com offered a similar service for those looking to buy reviews on the BBB website, charging $60 for three reviews and $200 for 10 reviews, according to the lawsuit.
In addition to fake reviews, the website allegedly sold another service, “Buy Amazon Seller Accounts,” for between $280 and $500.
These accounts were said to come with all the necessary documents to set up an account, including phone numbers, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and passports. The company also allegedly promised a replacement account if Amazon shut it down.
ReviewServiceUSA.com appears to be offline as of press time.
In a press release about the lawsuit, Amazon highlighted the importance of reviews to the overall shopping experience, giving consumers the ability to make informed purchase decisions.
“These fake reviews undermine trust in the reviews experience, which harms customers and sellers alike,” said the company.
Related stories will be right here …
In a lawsuit filed July 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the companies accused the site of using phony customer accounts to share fake positive and negative reviews on Amazon product pages and BBB profiles.
These reviews, said the lawsuit, were sold to people who wanted to boost the ranking and rating of their products and businesses, which can give their pages more visibility.
According to court documents, ReviewServiceUSA.com also allegedly offered to post fake negative reviews to Amazon or a BBB page for those looking to impact a competitor.
In a screenshot shared in court documents, the website advertised a “Buy Amazon Reviews” service, charging $50 for per review.
The screenshot said reviews would be posted from different IP addresses and different devices, and that if Amazon removed the review, ReviewServiceUSA.com would replace it with another review.
ReviewServiceUSA.com offered a similar service for those looking to buy reviews on the BBB website, charging $60 for three reviews and $200 for 10 reviews, according to the lawsuit.
In addition to fake reviews, the website allegedly sold another service, “Buy Amazon Seller Accounts,” for between $280 and $500.
These accounts were said to come with all the necessary documents to set up an account, including phone numbers, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and passports. The company also allegedly promised a replacement account if Amazon shut it down.
ReviewServiceUSA.com appears to be offline as of press time.
In a press release about the lawsuit, Amazon highlighted the importance of reviews to the overall shopping experience, giving consumers the ability to make informed purchase decisions.
“These fake reviews undermine trust in the reviews experience, which harms customers and sellers alike,” said the company.
Amazon has invested in methods of proactively stopping fake reviews, it said, including using machine-learning models and expert investigators, and taking legal action against fake review brokers.
It said it has stopped 250 million suspected fake reviews from its store in 2023.
“Despite the efforts of both Amazon and the BBB, fake reviews persist because schemes allowing bad actors to pay for five-star reviews are organized and orchestrated largely on third-party websites such as Review Service USA, or in dedicated groups on social media sites, as opposed to within Amazon’s stores or on the BBB website where the fake reviews are ultimately posted,” said the lawsuit.
Amazon filed a similar lawsuit in 2015 against operators of sites allegedly selling fake product reviews.
“Amazon is committed to ensuring reviews remain a trustworthy, insightful resource for consumers worldwide and we have zero tolerance for any attempts to mislead our customers through fake reviews,” said Claire O’Donnell, Amazon’s director of selling partner trust and store integrity.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration with the Better Business Bureau to hold these fake review brokers accountable for their deceitful actions. This lawsuit sends a clear message to bad actors that Amazon will use all available means to preserve the authenticity of product reviews.”
By teaming up, the two can combine their resources and expertise to fight back against deceptive practices, said Melanie McGovern, director of public relations and social media for International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
“The joint lawsuit will convey that fake reviews will not be tolerated. BBB remains committed to fostering trust and promoting integrity in the marketplace to protect consumers and honest businesses,” said McGovern.
Amazon and the BBB both prohibit fake reviews on their sites.
The companies said the goal of the lawsuit is to shut down ReviewServiceUSA’s operations.
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
