ACCC cracks down on fake reviews, sues Electrodry

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Electrodry is accused of posting fake reviews online.

Amazing job, fantastic result, these guys are the best cleaners! These are snippets of the online reviews the consumer watchdog has used to sue a carpet cleaning company in the Federal Court.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched legal action against A Whistle and Co, which trades as Electrodry Carpet Cleaning, for misleading and deceiving customers with fake reviews and testimonials online.

The consumer watchdog scrunitised hundreds of online reviews as part of the case. Photo: Screenshot

Electrodry, with more than 100 franchises around the country, is accused of inducing, or attempting to induce, franchisees to post fake reviews in breach of Australian Consumer Law, court documents show.

In early 2012, Electrodry acquired the services of a Hong Kong contractor in the Philippines to look after marketing and call centre duties. In March, it allegedly asked the contractor to post fake online reviews and distribute manuals to franchisees on how to take part.

Electrodryprovided sample reviews as templates to franchisees and specified they use Google, Yelp, Word of Mouth Online (Womo) and True Local. The franchisor urged them to post glowing reviews using their mobile phones so that it would be linked to different IP addresses, the ACCC claims.

To maximise participation among its 64 franchisees, Electrodry launched operator of the month and operator of the yearcompetitions with prize money, some worth more than $1000, to reward those who posted the highest number, court documents show.

Electrodry, which provides carpet, drapery, grout, upholstery and mattress cleaning services,said those who did not take part in the challenge were doing themselves a disservice.

Originally posted here:
ACCC cracks down on fake reviews, sues Electrodry