How to know if a review is fake or genuine

Google reviews can be super helpful, but spotting the fake ones is a bit of an art. Here are some smart ways to tell if a review is genuine:

Red Flags for Fake Reviews

Are there 1 star reviews one after another and they are talking of similar things. Be sure it’s fake. In the same way generic five-star reviews praising a product without any specific references could be fake too. What should you look into? We tell you.

Generic praise like “Amazing service!!!” with no context.
Multiple reviews posted in a short time span, especially all 5-star or 1-star.
Reviewer has no profile picture or only reviews businesses in far-flung locations.
Inconsistencies, like praising dishes in a restaurant that doesn’t serve those
When you see a 1-star review, check that person’s other reviews. If most are 1 star be sure you are dealing with a generally angry-at-the-world person.
If there are 1 star reviews one after another then be sure a group of people are doing it to harass the service provider.
Fake accounts often leave just one review to avoid detection.
Watch for repeated business names in a promotional tone: “XXX is the best travel agency in India!!!”
Accounts with a grey avatar and no activity history are often fake. Authentic reviewers typically have some digital footprint.
Fake reviews may use too much “I” or sound like ads:“I highly recommend XYZ for their unmatched professionalism and top-tier solutions!”

Examples of fake reviews

Fake Review Example 1 – Overly Generic & Too Positive

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This hotel is absolutely amazing! The staff is great, rooms are perfect, and the location is wonderful. I would definitely recommend it to everyone!”

Red Flags:

No specific details (“staff,” “location,” “rooms” — all vague)
Overused positive adjectives
Could be copied and pasted across multiple listings

Fake Review Example 2 – Marketing Language & Product Push

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Hotel XYZ is the ultimate luxury experience. With world-class amenities and unbeatable rates, it’s no wonder this is the best hotel in the city. Book now and enjoy a 5-star stay!”

Red Flags:

Sounds like ad copy or brand messaging
Includes promotional phrases like “book now”
Might be written by the hotel or a paid agency

Fake Review Example 3 – Emotional Story That Doesn’t Add Up

⭐⭐☆☆☆
“I stayed here because my dog had just died and I needed peace. The front desk person made me feel worse. They didn’t even give me a free upgrade. I won’t be back ever again even if someone paid me.”

Red Flags:

Personal story used to manipulate emotion
Expects unrealistic compensation (“free upgrade”)
Exaggerated negativity with dramatic tone

Signs of a Genuine Google Review

When do you know you are going through genuine reviews? Here’s our simple guide.

Specific details: Real reviews often mention names of staff, particular dishes, room numbers, or unique experiences.
Balanced tone: Authentic reviews usually include both pros and cons, rather than being overly glowing or harsh.
Reviewer history: Click on the reviewer’s profile. If they’ve reviewed multiple places with thoughtful comments, that’s a good sign.
Original photos: Genuine reviewers often upload their own photos, not stock images or ones copied from the business’s website.
Natural language: Look for reviews that sound like a real person talking, not overly formal, robotic or full of emojis and exclamation marks.
Profile photo is there: Most fake reviewers don’t have profile photos.
Compare reviews across platforms: Go to TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook and see if the reviewer has written reviews for related businesses (e.g., hotels, restaurants).
Info is real: Look for photos or review details that only a real customer could provide.

Original Review Example 1 – Mid-Range Hotel in a city

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
“I stayed at XYZ hotel for 3 nights in early May. The highlight was definitely the rooftop terrace — sipping wine with a direct view of the (Heritage building) was unforgettable. The staff were friendly and helped us book a tour of the city. The room was a bit small, but spotless and quiet at night. Would stay again!”

Why it sounds real:

Mentions exact location and time (early May)
Shares both positives and a minor flaw
Includes a personal experience (rooftop wine, city tour)

Original Review Example 2 – A luxury travel agency

⭐⭐⭐☆☆
“We booked everything through our travel agent XYZ. They made the whole process seamless. From flight bookings, to visas to hotel bookings they organised everything for us. They booked us into Hotel PQR for our stay and had a 5-star rating but despite that the restaurants were affordable. It had the best sea views, the room was luxurious but the bed was a little firm. The driver who took us around the city was polite and knowledgeable. We will definitely book through this travel agency again.”

Why it sounds real:

Balanced review (not overly positive or negative)
Practical observations (food prices, bed firmness)
Useful for similar travelers (details of the hotel, driver )

Original Review Example 3 – Luxury Hotel in Venice

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Cipriani is everything you’d expect from a 5-star resort — stunning grounds, peaceful location on Giudecca, and impeccable service. The pool was a big plus, especially during the heatwave. It’s expensive, no doubt, but perfect for a special occasion. We celebrated our anniversary here and were upgraded to a suite with a lagoon view — magical!”

Why it sounds real:

Specific, detailed story (anniversary upgrade, heatwave)
Names key features (Giudecca location, pool, lagoon view)
Emotional but grounded in realistic events

Now that you get the drift, when you go through reviews you will know exactly what to look for and what are the red flags.