Plans to protect online shoppers from rip-offs and fake reviews unveiled 19/07/2021, 10:31 pm A clampdown on online rip-offs including tackling subscription traps and fake reviews has been outlined by the Government (Tim Goode/PA) A clampdown on online rip-offs including tackling subscription traps and fake reviews has been outlined by the Government. It said “consumer catfishes” behind bogus online ratings will be targeted by rules that make it automatically illegal to pay someone to write, or host, a fake review. Businesses offering subscriptions will also be required to make clear exactly what consumers are signing up for and allow them to cancel easily.