--- title: How to Spot Fake Reviews and Protect Yourself Online description: Learn how to identify fake reviews and protect yourself online with tips from Liberty Savings Bank and FTC guidelines. image: https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Fake%20reviews%20image.png --- - [News & Insights](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/news-insights/) - [ATM Locations](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/atm-locations/) - [Financial Centers](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/locations/) - [Careers](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/careers/) - [Online & Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [Contact](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/online-banking-consultation) - #### Banking - [Call the Freedomline at 800.436.6300](tel:8004366300) - [Freedomlineivr@Libertysavingsbank.com](mailto:Freedomlineivr@Libertysavingsbank.com) - [Schedule Branch Visit](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/online-banking-consultation) #### Health Savings Accounts - [Call us at 844-424-2265](tel:8444242265) - [hsa@libertysavingsbank.com](mailto:hsa@libertysavingsbank.com) #### Existing Mortgage Loans - [Call us at 866-224-0131](tel:8662240131) - [customerservice@loanadministration.com](mailto:customerservice@loanadministration.com) - [libertysavingsbank.loanadministration.com](http://ibertysavingsbank.loanadministration.com) - Search - Search [![Liberty Savings Bank](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Liberty_Savings_Bank_June2019/Images/logo.png)](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/) - Banking - Personal - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/) - [Checking](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-checking-accounts) - [Online/Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [MMDA - Money Market Deposit Account - Personal](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/mmda/) - [Savings Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/savings-accounts/) - [Certificates of Deposit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/cds-2/) - [Credit Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/credit-cards/) - [Reward Yourself](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/reward-yourself/) - Business - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/) - [Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Business](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/visa-business-check-card-2/) - Nonprofit - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/) - [Nonprofit Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/nonprofit-checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Nonprofit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards for Nonprofits](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/business-check-card/) - Home Loans - Home Loan Options - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/) - [Apply Now](https://lsbmtg.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=6096984036&workFlowId=61437) - [Buying a Home](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/buying-a-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit - HELOC](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/home-equity-line-of-credit_heloc/) - [Refinancing a Home](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/compare-and-save) - [Fixed Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/fixed-rate-mortgage/) - [Adjustable Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/adjustable-rate-mortgage/) - [Jumbo Loans](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/jumbo-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Senior Living](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/senior-living) - First Home Buyers Guide - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/) - [Glossary of Mortgage Terms](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/glossary-of-mortgage-terms/) - [Financing Process](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/financing-process/) - [What is Refinancing?](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/purchasing-or-refinancing/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Home Loan Teams](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Overview](http://libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Bradenton/Wildewood Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/wildewood-mortgage-team) - [Sarasota/Stickney Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/stickney-mortgage-team-1) - [Sarasota/Square South Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/square-south-mortgage-team) - [Lakewood Ranch/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/lakewood-ranch-florida-mortgage-team) - [Venice/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/jacaranda-mortgage-team-2) - [1098 Mortgage Interest Statement](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/1098-mortgage-interest-statement/) - [Personal Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-loans-florida) - [Commercial/Business Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/commercial-business-lending) - Support - Getting Started - [About Online and Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [Installing the Mobile Banking App](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/installing-the-mobile-banking-app/) - [Accessing the Online Banking Site](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/accessing-the-online-banking-site/) - [Logging In](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-in-overview/logging-in-for-the-first-time/) - [Logging Out Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-off-overview/logging-off-voluntarily/) - The Homepage - [Using the Menu](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/using-the-menu/) - [Viewing Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-accounts/) - [Viewing the Sidebar](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-the-sidebar/) - [Account Information on the Home Page](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-information-on-the-home-page/) - [Account Details Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-details-overview/) - Online Activity - [Creating Custom Views in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/creating-custom-views-in-the-activity-center/) - [Sorting Transactions in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sorting-transactions-in-the-activity-center/) - [Viewing Transaction Details in the Activity Center Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/viewing-transaction-details-in-the-activity-center-overview/) - [Copying A Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/approving-transactions/) - [Sending a Message About a Transaction in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sending-a-message-about-a-transaction-in-the-activity-center/) - [Printing Transaction Details from the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/printing-transaction-details-from-the-activity-center/) - [Exporting by Transaction Type in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/exporting-by-transaction-type-in-the-activity-center/) - Personal Banking - [Enrolling for Financial Tools](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/enrolling-in-cpfm/) - [Classic Bill Pay](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/libertycard-onfile-and-instapay) - [Depositing a Check on Your Mobile Device](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/depositing-a-check-on-your-mobile-device/) - [Managing Manual Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/managing-manual-accounts/) - [Financial Tools: Using PFM Widgets](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/using-pfm-widgets/) - Business Banking - [Canceling Pending Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/canceling-pending-transaction/) - [Approving Transactions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/approving-transactions/) - [Explainer Videos](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/explainer-videos/) - Banking - Personal - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/) - [Checking](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-checking-accounts) - [Online/Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [MMDA - Money Market Deposit Account - Personal](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/mmda/) - [Savings Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/savings-accounts/) - [Certificates of Deposit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/cds-2/) - [Credit Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/credit-cards/) - [Reward Yourself](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/reward-yourself/) - Business - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/) - [Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Business](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/visa-business-check-card-2/) - Nonprofit - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/) - [Nonprofit Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/nonprofit-checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Nonprofit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards for Nonprofits](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/business-check-card/) - Home Loans - Home Loan Options - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/) - [Apply Now](https://lsbmtg.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=6096984036&workFlowId=61437) - [Buying a Home](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/buying-a-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit - HELOC](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/home-equity-line-of-credit_heloc/) - [Refinancing a Home](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/compare-and-save) - [Fixed Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/fixed-rate-mortgage/) - [Adjustable Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/adjustable-rate-mortgage/) - [Jumbo Loans](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/jumbo-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Senior Living](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/senior-living) - First Home Buyers Guide - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/) - [Glossary of Mortgage Terms](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/glossary-of-mortgage-terms/) - [Financing Process](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/financing-process/) - [What is Refinancing?](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/purchasing-or-refinancing/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Home Loan Teams](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Overview](http://libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Bradenton/Wildewood Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/wildewood-mortgage-team) - [Sarasota/Stickney Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/stickney-mortgage-team-1) - [Sarasota/Square South Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/square-south-mortgage-team) - [Lakewood Ranch/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/lakewood-ranch-florida-mortgage-team) - [Venice/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/jacaranda-mortgage-team-2) - [1098 Mortgage Interest Statement](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/1098-mortgage-interest-statement/) - [Personal Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-loans-florida) - [Commercial/Business Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/commercial-business-lending) - Support - Getting Started - [About Online and Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [Installing the Mobile Banking App](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/installing-the-mobile-banking-app/) - [Accessing the Online Banking Site](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/accessing-the-online-banking-site/) - [Logging In](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-in-overview/logging-in-for-the-first-time/) - [Logging Out Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-off-overview/logging-off-voluntarily/) - The Homepage - [Using the Menu](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/using-the-menu/) - [Viewing Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-accounts/) - [Viewing the Sidebar](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-the-sidebar/) - [Account Information on the Home Page](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-information-on-the-home-page/) - [Account Details Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-details-overview/) - Online Activity - [Creating Custom Views in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/creating-custom-views-in-the-activity-center/) - [Sorting Transactions in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sorting-transactions-in-the-activity-center/) - [Viewing Transaction Details in the Activity Center Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/viewing-transaction-details-in-the-activity-center-overview/) - [Copying A Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/approving-transactions/) - [Sending a Message About a Transaction in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sending-a-message-about-a-transaction-in-the-activity-center/) - [Printing Transaction Details from the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/printing-transaction-details-from-the-activity-center/) - [Exporting by Transaction Type in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/exporting-by-transaction-type-in-the-activity-center/) - Personal Banking - [Enrolling for Financial Tools](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/enrolling-in-cpfm/) - [Classic Bill Pay](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/libertycard-onfile-and-instapay) - [Depositing a Check on Your Mobile Device](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/depositing-a-check-on-your-mobile-device/) - [Managing Manual Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/managing-manual-accounts/) - [Financial Tools: Using PFM Widgets](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/using-pfm-widgets/) - Business Banking - [Canceling Pending Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/canceling-pending-transaction/) - [Approving Transactions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/approving-transactions/) - [Explainer Videos](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/explainer-videos/) ![FDIC Logo](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/logo-fdic.svg) FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government # News & Insights [Home](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/) News & Insights ## How to Spot Fake Reviews and Protect Yourself Online ![](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Fake%20reviews%20image.png) At Liberty Savings Bank, we want you to feel confident when you make financial decisions — whether you’re choosing a service, a product, or a contractor. One important tool many people rely on is online reviews. But not all reviews are trustworthy. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently took action to warn businesses about [fake or misleading reviews](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/ftc-warns-businesses-about-fake-reviews), and we want to help you understand what that means for you. Related Page: [The Top Scams and Fraud Threats to Watch for in 2026 (and How to Protect Yourself)](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/blog/the-top-scams-and-fraud-threats-to-watch-for-in-2026-and-how-to-protect-yourself) ## Why This Matters to You Online reviews are meant to give honest feedback from real customers. Unfortunately, some companies create, buy, or post fake reviews to make their products or services look better than they really are — or to bury negative information. This can lead you to make choices based on misleading information, which can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. ## Important Things to Know - Fake reviews hurt real consumers and honest businesses. They make it harder to know what to trust and distort your ability to compare options fairly. - The FTC has reminded companies that writing or paying for fake reviews — or offering incentives only for positive reviews — can lead to enforcement actions and fines. - This applies to all kinds of online platforms, including Google, Amazon, Walmart, and others where customers leave feedback. ## Tips for Spotting and Reporting Fake Reviews Here are a few practical steps you can take when you’re reading reviews online: ### Check multiple sources Don’t base your decision on a single site — compare reviews across platforms. ### Watch for sudden bursts of reviews A lot of five-star ratings in a short time can be a red flag. ### Look at review patterns Genuine reviewers often provide specifics about their experience — vague praise without detail may signal a fake review. ### Report suspicious reviews Report them to the site where you found them — many platforms have tools to flag inappropriate or fake content. If you suspect widespread fake reviews, you can also report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; include “*fake review*” in your comments. Remember: The goal of these FTC warnings is to protect consumers like you and to help honest businesses compete fairly. Being aware of fake reviews can help you make better decisions and avoid scams or misrepresentation. If you ever have questions about how to evaluate financial products, services, or reputable business practices, Liberty Savings Bank is here to help. [![Blog CTA](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Personal%20Loan-1.png?width=600&height=200&name=Personal%20Loan-1.png)](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/online-banking-consultation) #### Subscribe to our blog *“*They are a hands-on company and have been there every step of the way.*”* **TOM – Local Sarasota Liberty Customer** ## *You can trust liberty* ## Liberty has hundreds of ★★★★★ reviews. Backed by the FDIC. Bauer recommended. [Find out More](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/★★★★★-rating-by-bauer-financial/) [![Liberty Savings Bank](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Liberty_Savings_Bank_June2019/Images/logo.png)](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/) ### YOU CAN TRUST LIBERTY ![SRQ-generic-02](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SRQ-generic-02.png?width=192&height=178&name=SRQ-generic-02.png)   ### Additional Links - [Testimonials](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/testimonials/) - [Case Histories](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/case-histories/) - [FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/faqs-frequently-asked-questions/) - [Pricing - Checking and Savings Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/pricing-checking-and-savings-accounts/) - [Fraud and Security Awareness](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/fraud-and-security-awareness/) - [Careers](https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/List/5189/Liberty-Savings-Bank-FSB) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Notice](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/privacy-notice/) - [News & Insights](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/news-insights/) - [ATM Locations](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/atm-locations/) - [Existing Mortgage Loans](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/existing-mortgage-loans/) - [2026 Personal Fee Schedule](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-Personal-Fee-Schedule.pdf) - [2026 Business Fee Schedule](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-Business-Fee-Schedule.pdf) - [★★★★★ Rating](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85-rating-by-bauer-financial/) - [Florida Personal Loans Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/florida-personal-loans-101) - [Bradenton Florida Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/bradenton-florida-guide) - [Sarasota Florida Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/sarasota-florida-guide) - [Venice Florida Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/venice-florida-guide) - [CRA Public Information](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CRA-Public-File-07.01.25.pdf) - [Ohio Homebuyer Plus](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/ohio-homebuyer-plus-savings-account-waitlist) - [Helpful Disaster Relief Information](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/helpful-disaster-relief-information/) ![footer housing icons](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/footer%20housing%20icons.png?width=163&name=footer%20housing%20icons.png) Optimized for ADA accessibility using W3CAG 2.0 guidelines. APY= Annual Percentage Yield Copyright © 2023, Liberty Savings Bank, F.S.B., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #408905, All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill Rieger", "url" : "https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/blog/author/bill-rieger" }, "dateModified" : "2026-01-14T14:22:07.735Z", "datePublished" : "2026-01-14T14:21:57.000Z", "headline" : "How to Spot Fake Reviews and Protect Yourself Online", "image" : [ "https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Fake%20reviews%20image.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/blog/how-to-spot-fake-reviews-and-protect-yourself-online", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4091/img/vast.png" }, "name" : "Liberty Savings Bank" } } ```