Is there an issue with writing fake reviews for products on websites to get them for free. What if they are actually 5 stars?

 

When leaving a review on Amazon you are stating:
1. That you bought the product.
2. That you tried and used the product.
3. How the product performed.

One may not lie even in writing. Furthermore, the Torah says: ”Lifnei Iver Lo Siten Michshol”, which is explained that one may not give bad or inaccurate advice to someone who is “blind” in the subject. In this case, you may not portray the product as a good product to someone who does not know better. This also involves geneivas daas, deception.

If you indeed bought the product, tried it and are giving a honest review, you may leave a review in order to receive free products from the company.
See here for details regarding leaving negative reviews:

Halacha2go.com article #627: Negative Reviews on a “Rate your Sheitel” Forum

 

Note: This is all purely from a Halachic standpoint with the assumption that it’s consistent with Amazon’s policy.

 

 

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