Fake Customer Reviews in Australia: Legal or Not? 2026

Fake customer reviews in Australia are illegal under the Australian Consumer Law, which prohibits false or misleading claims. Businesses must ensure all testimonials are genuine and accurate. If you suspect a business like NannyLane uses stock images or fabricated reviews, you have rights and avenues to report them.

Understanding Australian Consumer Law on Fake Reviews

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) explicitly bans businesses from making false or misleading representations to consumers. This includes using fake images or testimonials that appear to be from real customers. The law requires that any claims about products or services be truthful and based on reasonable grounds.

In the case of NannyLane, the company admitted that placeholder images and sample testimonials were inadvertently left live during a website build. They removed them after being contacted by Guardian Australia. However, even unintentional use of fake testimonials can be a breach of the ACL.

What Counts as a Fake Testimonial?

A fake testimonial includes any review or endorsement that is not from a genuine customer, or that uses stock photos or fabricated names. It also includes reviews that are paid for without disclosure or manipulated to mislead consumers.

Businesses must ensure that any testimonials they display are authentic and reflect real experiences. The ACCC has taken action against companies that post fake reviews, resulting in penalties and corrective advertising.

How to Report Fake Reviews in Australia

If you suspect a business is using fake reviews, the first step is to contact the business directly and express your concerns. Many businesses will rectify the issue promptly, as NannyLane did. If the business fails to respond or resolve the issue, you can escalate the matter to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

When reporting to the ACCC, provide a detailed description of the issue, including links to the suspicious reviews and any evidence like reverse image searches. The ACCC will assess whether the business has breached the ACL and may take enforcement action.

Key Takeaways for Consumers

• Fake reviews are illegal in Australia under the ACL.
• Businesses must ensure testimonials are genuine and accurate.
• Contact the business first to resolve the issue.
• Escalate to the ACCC if no resolution is reached.
• Keep evidence like screenshots and search results.

Comparison: Genuine vs. Fake Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Staying informed about your consumer rights helps you make better decisions and hold businesses accountable. Always report suspicious reviews to protect yourself and other consumers.