In the midst of the busiest shopping season of the year, Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) staff reminded companies of their obligations under the Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (Consumer Review Rule). On December 22, 2025, the FTC announced that staff had sent letters to ten companies warning that they may be in violation of the Consumer Review Rule, which is intended to rein in the practice of using fake reviews and testimonials to boost sales of products or services. The FTC’s Endorsement Guides, last updated in July 2023, offer guidance on reviews and testimonials in advertising (including in social media), but the Consumer Review Rule addresses a specific issue of fake reviews and testimonials. The Rule empowers the FTC to file federal lawsuits or take other legal action and obtain civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation.
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