Fake 5-Star Reviews Just Cost This Supplement Seller $750,000

What the FTC found

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized an order against Vanilla Chip LLC, which does business as TruHeight, and its two owners. The company sold supplements that claimed to boost height growth in children and teenagers.

The FTC said those height claims were not backed by solid scientific evidence. In plain terms, the company promised something it could not prove.

The order requires TruHeight and its owners to pay $750,000. The FTC set a larger $4 million judgment, but suspended part of it because the company could not pay the full amount.

The review trick that fooled shoppers

Here is the part worth remembering. The FTC said many of the glowing reviews were not real customer opinions at all.

Some reviews were written by the company's own employees and vendors. Others came from people who were given a free product or a discount in exchange for a 5-star rating. The company also used fake social media profiles that looked like real users but were actually run by bots.

When you shop, those fake reviews make a product look loved and trusted. That is exactly the point. They are designed to lower your guard and open your wallet.

Red flags to watch for

You do not need to be an expert to protect yourself. A few warning signs show up again and again.

Watch for products that promise big health results fast, especially for kids. Be careful with pages that show floods of perfect 5-star reviews and almost no honest complaints. Be suspicious when reviews all sound the same or use similar wording.

Also be cautious when a seller offers you a discount or free product in return for a positive review. Under the FTC order, buying reviews tied to a certain opinion is not allowed for this company. It is a good rule for you to remember with any seller.

The free, honest way to check and report

You never have to pay anyone to check out a company or report a bad one. The FTC runs free tools for exactly this.

Before you buy, search the product and company name along with words like 'complaint' or 'FTC'. Read the low reviews, not just the high ones. If a health claim sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

If you were misled or lost money, you can report it for free. Reporting helps the FTC spot patterns and take action, like it did here.

Frequently asked questions

Does the $750,000 mean I get money back?

The order requires TruHeight to pay $750,000, but the FTC has not announced consumer refunds in this summary. If refunds become available, the FTC posts them for free at ftc.gov. You never pay to claim an FTC refund.

How can I tell if reviews are fake?

Watch for a wall of perfect 5-star ratings, reviews that sound alike, and sellers offering discounts for positive reviews. Read the low reviews too, and search the company name with the word 'complaint.'

Is it free to report a company to the FTC?

Yes. Reporting at ReportFraud.ftc.gov is completely free. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, or promise you a prize.

What should I do before buying a health product for my child?

Be cautious of any product promising fast growth or health results. Ask your child's doctor first, and remember that real health claims must be backed by solid scientific evidence.