Buyers and researchers use several methods to identify sellers who may have purchased their reputation: Feedback manipulation policy | eBay

: As of 2024, the FTC’s Trade Regulation Rule explicitly bans fake reviews, with potential civil penalties of up to $51,744 per violation .

Attempting to bypass organic growth through purchased reviews creates several critical vulnerabilities for sellers:

: Manipulating feedback to boost Top Rated Seller status is a direct violation; if caught, eBay may lower your visibility in search results even if the account remains active. How to Spot Fake eBay Reviews

Buying eBay reviews is a that violates eBay's Feedback Manipulation Policy and can lead to immediate account suspension. While some sellers use it as a shortcut to build credibility, the risks—ranging from platform bans to legal penalties from regulators like the FTC—often outweigh the perceived benefits. The Risks of Manipulated Feedback