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. 

Online reviews have become a big part of how we make purchasing decisions, whether we&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.&nbsp;

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.