Sometimes, we detect unusual activity on a storefront. We label these stores to notify customers.
We display warning banners on store ratings and reviews to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of the information presented. These banners help protect shoppers from potentially misleading, unreachable or harmful content.
What do the different warning banners mean?
a. Spam or Suspicious Stores
" Warning! We believe this site may be a spam - please proceed with caution. "
•What it means: This banner indicates that the store has been flagged for suspicious activity, such as unusual patterns in reviews or other behavior that may suggest fraudulent practices.
•For Shoppers: Exercise caution when considering purchases from this store. Review the feedback carefully and consider looking for additional verification or alternative sellers.
•For Retailers: If your store has been flagged, review your business practices and customer interactions. Ensure that your operations are transparent and legitimate. Contact our support team for guidance on resolving this issue.
b. Suspicious Reviews
" Warning! We believe this site has some suspicious or fraudulent review activity. This site is currently being reviewed."
•What it means: This banner appears when there are indications that some reviews might be fake or manipulated, such as a sudden influx of positive reviews or reviews that appear to be written by the same person.
•For Shoppers: Take these reviews with a grain of salt. Look for reviews with detailed and specific feedback rather than generic or overly enthusiastic comments.
•For Retailers: Ensure that your reviews are genuine and reflect honest customer experiences. Avoid soliciting reviews in ways that may seem manipulative. If you believe the flag is a mistake, reach out to our support team for assistance.
c. Unreachable Domains / Bad Domain
"We believe this site may be out of business or resolving to a parked domain which has nothing to do with the original business reviewed. We have removed the organic review collection for this seller. "
•What it means: This banner indicates that the store’s website or domain is currently unreachable, which may be a sign of technical issues or that the business is no longer operational.
•For Shoppers: Be cautious when making purchases from stores with this banner. Verify the store’s contact information and consider contacting them directly to ensure they are still in business.
•For Retailers: Check your website’s status and resolve any technical issues promptly. Ensure that your domain is active and that customers can easily reach your site. If your domain is incorrectly flagged, please contact our support team to rectify the issue.
3. How can I report a suspicious store or review?
If you come across a store or review that you believe violates our policies, please use the report feature located near the review or store listing. Our team will investigate and take appropriate action to maintain the integrity of our platform. Or contact us at support@resellerratings.com.
4. What steps does your team take to verify the warnings?
Our team uses a combination of automated tools and manual reviews to identify and flag suspicious activity. This includes analyzing patterns in review submissions, monitoring domain status, and checking for inconsistencies that may indicate fraudulent behavior. If you feel our auto-classification tools may have made a mistake on a store, contact us @ support@resellerratings.com to help us understand the issue and resolve it!
5. How can retailers avoid getting flagged?
Retailers can avoid getting flagged by maintaining honest and transparent business practices, encouraging genuine customer reviews without manipulation, and ensuring their domain is always active and reachable. Regularly monitor your store’s feedback and address any issues promptly.
6. Can a warning banner be removed?
Yes, if the underlying issue is resolved, a warning banner can be removed. Retailers should contact our support team with evidence that the issue has been addressed. Our team will review and, if appropriate, lift the warning.
By understanding these warning banners, shoppers can make more informed decisions, and retailers can ensure their practices align with our standards for trust and transparency. If you have further questions, please contact our support team for assistance.