CanucksTraveller
Macho Business Donkey Wrestler
- Location
- Hertfordshire
I looked at Google reviews of a takeaway near me (that I already know well), and was surprised to see a particular review that stood out by mentioning "great service, ambience, and a lovely place to come for lunch on weekdays especially".
I'm surprised because it's takeaway only, isn't open at lunch, and has 4 plastic chairs for people waiting. He's clearly never been.
Looking at his profile further, he's a Google "Local expert" so people are possibly crediting his reviews with some level of trust. 40 reviews so far, so I look further into them....
4 reviews for decorating and painting services, one in Essex, one in West Yorkshire, one in London and another in Newcastle, all of whom he's apparently had amazing results for the redecoration of his house! He's got a lot of houses, and they all needed redecoration in 2020 apparently. Only one single review in my locale, just that takeaway which is a lovely place to have lunch apparently, despite them not serving lunch.
The rest of his restaurant reviews (20+) similarly talk about great ambience and a cool atmosphere or whatever in places like a Papa John pizza takeaway or kebab shops, all spread around the UK and none offering a sit down meal.
Possibly the clearest case of shilling that I've ever seen. Does make you wonder about the integrity of online reviews doesn't it. I reported the reviews and the profile because I love doing pointless and fruitless enterprise, and I know deep down Google won't be interested. But it kind of made me wonder about the method of what's at play here, paid reviewer arranged by Google? Bot? Just someone wanting "Local expert" badges on Google? I have no idea, it's weirdly random.
I'm surprised because it's takeaway only, isn't open at lunch, and has 4 plastic chairs for people waiting. He's clearly never been.
Looking at his profile further, he's a Google "Local expert" so people are possibly crediting his reviews with some level of trust. 40 reviews so far, so I look further into them....
4 reviews for decorating and painting services, one in Essex, one in West Yorkshire, one in London and another in Newcastle, all of whom he's apparently had amazing results for the redecoration of his house! He's got a lot of houses, and they all needed redecoration in 2020 apparently. Only one single review in my locale, just that takeaway which is a lovely place to have lunch apparently, despite them not serving lunch.
The rest of his restaurant reviews (20+) similarly talk about great ambience and a cool atmosphere or whatever in places like a Papa John pizza takeaway or kebab shops, all spread around the UK and none offering a sit down meal.
Possibly the clearest case of shilling that I've ever seen. Does make you wonder about the integrity of online reviews doesn't it. I reported the reviews and the profile because I love doing pointless and fruitless enterprise, and I know deep down Google won't be interested. But it kind of made me wonder about the method of what's at play here, paid reviewer arranged by Google? Bot? Just someone wanting "Local expert" badges on Google? I have no idea, it's weirdly random.
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