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I found this clinic on Google Maps Reviews!

Since my last post about business and google Maps, I received some emails asking around the risks of self-review.

Besides the possible brand damage and SEO problems, You now can incur in legal problems.

That’s what happened to a Plastic Surgery Company in New York.

False reviews cost the company a wooping $300,000 in an agreement that portends significant change in local search marketing.

New York State Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo secured a $300,000 settlement with Lifestyle Lift, a cosmetic surgery company that “flooded the internet with false positive reviews”. A press release claims that this is believed to be the first case in the nation against “astroturfing” on the Internet.

From the release:

Lifestyle Lift employees published positive reviews and comments about the company to trick Web-browsing consumers into believing that satisfied customers were posting their own stories. These tactics constitute deceptive commercial practices, false advertising, and fraudulent and illegal conduct under New York and federal consumer protection law. The settlement marks a strike against the growing practice of “astroturfing,” in which employees pose as independent consumers to post positive reviews and commentary to Web sites and Internet message boards about their own company.”

“This company’s attempt to generate business by duping consumers was cynical, manipulative, and illegal,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “My office has and will continue to be on the forefront in protecting consumers against emerging fraud and deception, including ‘astroturfing,’ on the Internet.”

So there you go, on your own risk.

Lucio Ribeiro

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