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Internet reviews land Peachtree City firm in hot water

ajc.com

Credit: Lois Norder

Credit: Lois Norder

By Lois Norder
March 9, 2015

A new cop has been patrolling the Internet and a Peachtree City business is the first alleged culprit nabbed.

AmeriFreight - a company that arranges to ship people's cars - was accused by the Federal Trade Commission of getting customers to write glowing online reviews by compensating them for their kind words. The case marks the first time the FTC has charged a company with misrepresenting online reviews by not disclosing it gave cash discounts to customers to post them.

The company and its owner didn't admit to anything. But in a proposed settlement, it agreed to clearly and prominently disclose if it has provided any incentive to anyone providing an endorsement.

Now, about those restaurant reviews, plumber endorsements, sweepstakes contests...

About the Author

Norder is Senior Editor for Investigations at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The investigative reporters she directs work to independently examine the workings of government and other powerful institutions and individuals. Their goal is to help improve the lives of Georgians.

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