Beware Review Hijacking

[FindersKeepers]

I run into this a lot as I choose products for a client, but this time I was just looking for a scope for my young nephew so he can watch birds from his back deck. I ran across one that was really cheap but rated high. That always sends up a red flag, so I checked out the reviews--they're for a set of dishware. LOL

https://www.amazon.com/Monocular-Tel...31&sr=1-1&th=1

Watch out for this if you shop on Amazon. It happens sometimes on Walmart as well. Somehow, the scamming resellers hack the review section and add positive reviews for a completely different item.

The old adage--if something seems too good... to be true applies here.

It happens a lot with underpriced items because people want to save a buck and get a good deal. Be aware.

Now, back to shopping for my nephew...

[Chris]

That's odd. I've never seen that before. I often look at reviews and usually start at the worst. It could be a software glitch. Though the seller, the MANDDDWU Store, looks suspicious as this is all he sells, and on his page, another name is given, Sold by Professional E. Free returns!

[DGUtley]

I am always suspicious of reviews. I think sellers make some of them up.

[Chris]

BTW, I have this one listed as a potential buy: https://www.amazon.com/10x30x42-Mono...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Read a positive review of it somewhere. At Amazon there's positive and negative reviews and they all seem relevant.

[Chris]

@FindersKeepers, if you remember let us know what you decide on.

[FindersKeepers]

That's odd. I've never seen that before. I often look at reviews and usually start at the worst. It could be a software glitch. Though the seller, the MANDDDWU Store, looks suspicious as this is all he sells, and on his page, another name is given, Sold by Professional E. Free returns!

I actually run into it a lot.

I have an app, FakeSpot, installed on my browser that gives me a heads up, by "grading" the seller, but it's not foolproof. In the OP instance, the seller got an "F," which was appropriate.

Occasionally, I'll use ReviewMeta, which allows users to paste a URL and they'll analyze the quality of the reviews. That takes a bit longer but sometimes picks up on what FakeSpot misses.

Another good indicator if you're on the fence about the seller is to look on the far right side--below the "Add to Cart" button, and you'll see who sells the product and where it ships from. If it sells and ships (both) from Amazon, it'll be covered if you want to return it.

Find out more about review hijacking here.

[FindersKeepers]

@FindersKeepers, if you remember let us know what you decide on.

I bought this one for him.

And, I bought him this case with accessories.

[RMNIXON]

Sometimes I check out the TV and Movie reviews on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB. I can't help but notice some of the positive reviews sound generic as if they are copy and paste BS. If you have nothing but praise but can't tell me why I find it suspect.

[Cletus]

When it comes to optics, I go with Vortex almost every time. My spotting scope, my precision rifle scopes, my AR scopes, my KSG optic and the monoculars I carry in each vehicle are all Vortex.


Oddly, I don't have any Vortex binoculars. My binoculars are Steiners. I don't really use binoculars much any more since I started with monoculars. They are lighter and more compact.