CMA Puts Trader Recommendation Platforms On Notice

Trader recommendation platforms help consumers find trustworthy businesses, but the CMA says too many are falling short on transparency and accuracy.

In 2024, the CMA published guidance setting out six core principles for these platforms: don't mislead consumers, vet traders properly, handle complaints fairly, monitor trader performance, enforce sanctions against problem traders, and manage online reviews impartially. That last point carries extra weight now that fake reviews are specifically addressed by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA).

What the CMA found

Following a recent review, the CMA has written to several platforms flagging concerns and urging them to act. It acknowledged pockets of good practice, such as clearer information about trader checks, accessible complaints processes, and transparent sanctions policies, but identified four key problem areas.