How to Spot Fake Reviews on Nigerian Marketplaces
Not all 5-star reviews are real. Here is how to tell.
Signs of Fake Reviews
- All posted within hours of each other
- Same generic language ("Good seller", "Fast")
- Reviewers have no other activity on the platform
- Perfect 5-star curve with no middle ratings
- Grammatically awkward but all sound identical
Signs of Real Reviews
- Mixed ratings (4.7 average with genuine 3s)
- Specific details mentioned ("iPhone 11, Lagos, fast reply")
- Reviews spread over weeks or months
- Reviewers have profiles with other activity
What to Do
- Read the middle ratings first (3-star)
- Check reviewer profiles
- Look for seller responses
- Report fakes to the platform