In the digital age, online platforms like BookTok wield significant influence, shaping the reading habits of young and new book enthusiasts. However, a recent investigation by Scams.info has uncovered a concerning trend: nearly 2 in 5 Amazon book reviews are fake.
The allure of BookTok, where users share their favorite reads and literary discoveries, often propels certain books to viral fame. Yet, the excitement surrounding these titles can be misleading, as Scams.info’s study reveals that a staggering 37.2% of Amazon reviews for popular books are fraudulent.
Delving deeper into Amazon’s bestsellers, the investigation found that an alarming 59% of products had over 40% fake reviews. However, the situation is particularly dire in the realm of books, where 1 in 20 titles had over 90% of ratings deemed illegitimate, often stemming from customers receiving incentives for positive reviews.
The study identified several notable titles plagued by fake reviews, with “Red, White & Royal Blue”‘ by Casey McQuiston topping the list. Despite its popularity on BookTok, with its engaging “enemies to lovers” trope and LGBTQ+ representation, over 91% of Amazon reviews for this YA romance were found to be fake.
Following closely behind is “It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover, a beloved author in the BookTok community. Three-quarters of the reviews for this highly anticipated sequel were flagged as fake, indicating a pervasive issue within the online book reviewing ecosystem.
Even literary award nominees like “The Marriage Portrait”‘ by Maggie O’Farrell were not spared, with 73.1% of Amazon reviews being identified as fake. Despite critical acclaim, readers are urged to exercise caution and seek alternative sources for book recommendations.
Scams.info emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on Amazon reviews when selecting books to read. Instead, readers are encouraged to consult independent book reviews and diverse sources to make informed decisions about their next literary journey.