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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Kat George

I noticed a customer review I think might be fake. In Australia, are businesses allowed to do this?

Australia ACCC Kat George Guardian Australia Police
A paper cutout robot with a speech bubble displayed on a laptop screen illustration
Proceed with caution when relying on online reviews and testimonials, writes Kat George. Report anything suspicious to the business and then the ACCC. Photograph: Carol Yepes/Getty Images

While looking at the website for NannyLane Australia, which bills itself as “the Uber for Nannies”, I noticed some glowing testimonials apparently written by happy parents who’d used their services. But a simple reverse Google image search of “James & Emily T” from Sydney led me to a stock image of a couple, and I’m wondering if these reviews are genuine. In Australia, are businesses allowed to use fake images or testimonials from customers?

– Jade, Sydney

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