Author(s): Ravikumar J S, Shivani Naik, Asmita Kulkarni, Rashmi Jain, Faran Izhar and Mohd Naved
The spread of false reviews and misleading advertising strategies has become an urgent issue in the dynamic world of internet marketing and online shopping. Consumers are looking to internet reviews more and more for guidance when making purchases, which has led to questions about the reliability of review systems and platforms. Misleading reviews, posted by dishonest companies or people trying to influence public opinion, can affect consumers' opinions of a product, their decision to buy, and their faith in online markets as a whole. False reviews are just one example of the many forms of misleading advertising, astroturfing, and undisclosed sponsorships that fall under the umbrella of misleading marketing techniques. In addition to misleading customers, these tactics harm legitimate companies' reputations, lead to unfair competition, and give rise to ethical and legal questions. There will always be new problems for regulators, companies, and consumers to deal with since new ways of deceit and manipulation pop up as technology develops. Improving online commerce's transparency, accountability, and integrity while preserving consumer trust and protecting their interests is essential in the fight against deceptive marketing and fake reviews, which necessitates a multi-pronged strategy that includes collaboration. This study takes a look at the many problems that come with online deception, such as false reviews and misleading advertising. It delves into the difficulties and potential solutions to these behaviours and their effects on customers, companies, and the market as large. With any luck, this paper will add to our knowledge of how misleading marketing and phoney reviews affect online shopping and customer happiness.