Online reviews have become a big part of how we make purchasing decisions, whether we’re choosing a restaurant, booking a hotel or deciding which product is worth our money. But how much can we really trust those five-star ratings and glowing customer testimonials?

Singapore’s Competition and Consumer Commission has taken action against 45 businesses that admitted to buying fake reviews, in its largest investigation into the practice to date. These businesses purchased review packages from websites offering fake ratings, with some packages promising dozens of five-star reviews to boost their online reputation.

So why are businesses willing to pay for positive reviews, and just how much can these ratings influence consumer behaviour?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mr Kho Qin Yao, Director, Fair Trading Practices at the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore, to find out more.