In today's digital landscape, online reviews through social media such as Facebook or via Google Business hold immense power when it comes to shaping consumer perceptions and influencing purchasing decisions. This influence has led some businesses in Vietnam to resort to buying fake Google reviews as a shortcut to bolster their online reputation: Whether you’re living in Hanoi or in the South in Ho Chi Minh City, there are dozens of Facebook pages offering cheap 5 stars Google reviews for only a few million VND.
However, engaging in such deceptive practices not only undermines the integrity of the review system but also exposes businesses to severe legal consequences. In this blog post, we will delve into why purchasing fake Google reviews in Vietnam is ill-advised, shedding light on the legal ramifications and ethical dilemmas involved.
1. Violation of Vietnamese Law: Purchasing fake Google reviews is not only an ethical concern but also a violation of Vietnamese law. The Law on Competition and the Law on Advertising in Vietnam strictly prohibit false advertising and deceptive practices. By actively seeking or soliciting fake reviews, businesses run the risk of being found in violation of these laws, leading to legal consequences such as fines, penalties, and potential legal actions brought by consumers or competitors.
2. Google's Strict Terms of Service: Google, being the most popular search engine and review platform, has its own terms of service that explicitly prohibit fake reviews. By purchasing or generating false reviews, businesses not only violate Google's terms but also put themselves at risk of severe penalties. Google employs advanced algorithms and manual reviews to detect and remove fraudulent reviews, and businesses found in violation may face account suspensions or even permanent bans. Losing the ability to appear on Google search results in Vietnam and Vietnamese language as well as Google Maps can be disastrous for businesses relying on online visibility. In fact, most of these businesses also uses Facebook Vietnam advertising sponsored posting to promote their service, and hence breaking Facebook terms of service as well!
3. Damage to Business Reputation: While the immediate aim of purchasing fake reviews may be to enhance a business's online image, the long-term consequences can be detrimental. Authenticity and trust are crucial in building a reputable brand. Once consumers discover that a business has been involved in fraudulent activities, it severely damages their perception and erodes trust. Negative word-of-mouth spreads rapidly, affecting the company's reputation both online and offline. The loss of trust can be difficult to recover, hindering customer acquisition and loyalty.
4. Consumer Protection and Trust: Fake reviews undermine the trust consumers place in the online review system. Consumers rely on the experiences and opinions of others to make informed decisions about products and services. When businesses manipulate this system, it not only misleads consumers but also hampers healthy competition. The Vietnamese government has made significant efforts to protect consumer rights, and businesses found guilty of deceptive practices may face legal action from consumers or consumer protection authorities, leading to financial penalties and reputational damage.
5. Ethical Considerations and Industry Integrity: Engaging in the purchase of fake Google reviews raises ethical questions. It is a form of dishonesty that erodes the integrity of the business and the industry as a whole. It devalues the opinions and feedback of genuine customers, stifles healthy competition, and compromises the fairness of the marketplace. Embracing ethical practices and providing exceptional products and services is a more sustainable way to build a strong brand reputation.
Purchasing fake Google reviews in Vietnam is a high-risk endeavor that brings more harm than good. Businesses should recognize the legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and potential legal actions, which can severely impact their operations. Moreover, violating Google's terms of service can result in account suspensions or bans, leading to a loss of online visibility. Embracing transparency, ethical practices, and genuine customer engagement is not only the right approach but also the key to long-term success. By prioritizing authenticity and delivering exceptional experiences, businesses in Vietnam can foster trust, build a strong reputation, and thrive in the digital marketplace.
At Kingmaker we focus on supporting local businesses in Vietnam with fundamental marketing strategies, from Google Business Optimization in Ho Chi Minh City to social media setup and online delivery applications optimization. Contact us to see how we’ll ensure your local business is setup for success.