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ARTICLE · 09 APRIL 2026

Five Stars, Zero Tolerance: FTC Turns Up Enforcement Under Consumer Review Rule

Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
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The FTC is now prioritizing enforcement of its Consumer Review and Testimonials Rule, issuing warning letters to companies using fake reviews, undisclosed incentives or misleading testimonials, and demanding immediate corrective action.

United StatesConsumer Protection
Ruddy Abam
Ruddy Abam
Michael D. Meuti
Michael D. Meuti
Michael Silverstein
Michael Silverstein
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Key Takeaways

  • The FTC is now prioritizing enforcement of its Consumer Review and Testimonials Rule, issuing warning letters to companies using fake reviews, undisclosed incentives or misleading testimonials, and demanding immediate corrective action.
  • Civil penalties can reach $53,088 per violation, and the FTC is demanding responses within days. The agency is targeting company-wide policies and practices as well as inpidual posts.
  • Companies should promptly audit their review and testimonial practices, eliminate sentiment-based incentives, ensure clear disclosures, and establish rapid response and compliance protocols to avoid costly enforcement actions.

The Federal Trade Commission has made one point decidedly clear: the Consumer Review and Testimonials Rule is not a background compliance issue—it is an active enforcement priority.

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