When Online Reviews Become Criminal Offences

The Silent Business Killer

Online reviews for businesses are a powerful force in shaping consumer trust. While fair and honest feedback helps businesses grow, malicious or fraudulent reviews can destroy reputations, cripple sales, and lead to serious legal consequences. Many businesses invest hundreds of thousands of pounds in advertising, SEO, and customer service to build their credibility—only to have their efforts undermined by misleading or defamatory reviews. Meanwhile, Google, review platforms, and advertisers continue to profit, leaving businesses with little to no protection. Many people don’t realise that certain types of online reviews can result in criminal charges, private prosecutions, and even financial crime investigations.
This article explores:

• When an online review crosses into criminal behaviour
• How fake or defamatory reviews cause major financial harm
• Real legal cases where reviewers faced prosecution
• How fraudulent reviews connect to chargeback fraud & POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) investigations

1. The Financial Toll of Malicious Reviews

For businesses relying on online exposure, advertising is one of the largest investments—often in the hundreds of thousands of pounds per year across Google Ads, social media, and SEO. However, a single dishonest or malicious online review can cause long-term financial damage. False reviews on platforms like Google can result in sales dropping overnight, as customers may avoid businesses with recent negative feedback—even if it’s based on fake reviews. This highlights the urgent need for better management of online reviews and for businesses to secure legal protection against harmful online content.

Legal Case: Trustpilot Wins Landmark Case Against Fake Review Sellers
In 2023, Trustpilot successfully sued businesses selling fake reviews, proving that fraudulent online feedback violates UK consumer protection laws. The court ordered the removal of misleading content, setting a precedent for future cases.
Businesses that value transparency take steps to verify their feedback. See how reviews are managed at the Sofa Shop Reviews.

2. When a Review Becomes a Criminal Offence

While negative reviews are protected under free speech, certain actions involving online reviews for businesses violate UK criminal law and can result in prosecution.

• Blackmail & Extortion (Theft Act 1968)
  A reviewer demands money, free products, or a refund in exchange for removing a bad review.
  Example: In XLD v KZL, the High Court granted an injunction against a reviewer who attempted to extort a business using bad reviews as leverage.
• Malicious Communications & Harassment (Malicious Communications Act 1988)
  Reviews containing threats, personal insults, or false accusations may result in criminal charges.
  Example: In AMP v Persons Unknown, the UK court issued an injunction against anonymous users posting defamatory content, reinforcing that abuse—even in reviews—has legal consequences.
• Fake Review Fraud (Fraud Act 2006)
  Posting deliberately false reviews to mislead consumers or harm businesses is considered fraudulent misrepresentation.
  Example: A UK retailer took legal action against a competitor paying people to leave fake 1-star reviews, resulting in a fraud investigation.

3. The Criminal Link Between Fake Reviews & Money Laundering (POCA 2002)

A lesser-known but serious consequence of fraudulent reviews is their connection to financial crime investigations.

How Chargeback Fraud & Fake Reviews Can Trigger a POCA Investigation:

• A reviewer posts a fake negative review to justify a fraudulent chargeback claim (e.g., falsely stating an item never arrived).
• The bank refunds the money, causing financial loss to the business.
• The customer keeps both the money and the product, turning it into criminal property under money laundering laws.
• A POCA Section 75 inquiry allows authorities to investigate six years of financial transactions.

Legal Case: UK Authorities Investigate Chargeback Fraud Ring

In 2022, a nationwide chargeback fraud investigation led to multiple arrests after individuals claimed false refunds and posted fake reviews to justify them. The case highlighted how fake reviews, fraud, and financial crime are often linked.

Understanding how online reviews for businesses impact reputation is key to maintaining a strong standing in the marketplace. Read more in the online reviews section of  The Sofa Shop Reviews.

How Businesses Can Fight Back Against Criminal Reviews

Businesses can fight back against malicious or fraudulent online reviews by taking legal action. For online reviews that contain false or defamatory content, civil lawsuits can be filed for defamation, and businesses can seek court orders for the removal of fake reviews. Criminal prosecution for acts such as blackmail or fraud can also be pursued, and businesses can contest fraudulent chargeback claims that are often accompanied by fake reviews on Google. Protecting your reputation online requires vigilance, both legally and strategically, to ensure that fraudulent reviews don’t take a toll on your business.

Legal Case: High Court Grants Injunction Against Fake Reviewers

A UK business successfully secured an injunction against individuals posting false negative reviews. The court ruled that these reviews were not genuine opinions but a coordinated attack, allowing the company to take further legal action.

The Fight Against Fake Reviews Must Continue

Fake online reviews are a growing threat to businesses, and the legal consequences of posting fake reviews cannot be ignored. By understanding the legal implications of online reviews for businesses, both businesses and consumers can avoid the risks associated with fraudulent or malicious feedback. Businesses must continue to fight back by securing legal support and taking proactive measures to combat the spread of misleading online reviews.

If your business is facing review blackmail, fraud, or chargeback abuse, Stuart Miller Solicitors can help. Contact us today for expert legal support.