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Reporting on fraud, review manipulation, misleading information and the work of protecting consumers and honest businesses.
219 articles in in-the-media
The growing threat posed by fake online stores continues to gain attention across the retail sector. Following Forbes’ recent article highlighting the issue and recognising the work of Chris Emmins and KwikChex, the story has now been picked up by RetailWire, where it is generating wider discussion about what can be do
A recent article by Forbes contributor Catherine Erdly highlights the increasing threat posed by fake online stores and their damaging impact on both consumers and legitimate retailers. The report explains how criminals are using AI and sophisticated digital tools to create highly convincing fake retail websites that s
The BBC consumer affairs programme Rip Off Britain has broadcast an investigation into Seasons Holidays’ fractional ownership products, examining allegations that purchasers were led to believe they were buying products with investment potential and long-term financial value. The programme, broadcast on BBC One on 19 M
Chris Emmins, CEO of KwikChex, will appear in an upcoming episode of the BBC’s flagship consumer programme Rip Off Britain. Chris often works with the Rip Off Britain team and has persuaded them to investigate Seasons. The BBC have confirmed the programme schedule and content in an email to Chris today, see below. “Thi
A year ago In April 2025, KwikChex issued a warning about Central Paralegals. The company had been contacting timeshare owners and persuading them to pay thousands of pounds for purported timeshare termination services. We were initially concerned about the aggressive cold calling methods used by two linked companies,
KwikChex is warning that thousands of consumers are falling into what it describes as “help traps” — services that present themselves as solutions but often inflict further devastating financial harm. Two groups in particular are suffering losses totalling hundreds of millions globally. KwikChex investigations reveal a
New investigation by The Guardian reveals illegal weight-loss drug vendors masked by inflated Trustpilot scores A recent investigation by The Guardian has found that a number of firms are selling unlicensed and illegal weight-loss drugs in the UK while using high Trustpilot ratings to appear legitimate and trustworthy.
Trustpilot and a Drug Dealer You Can Trust How a global “trust” platform is being used to launder criminal credibility Fresh investigations are exposing the true scale of harm and deception being facilitated through Trustpilot — a platform relied upon by millions of consumers to judge whether a business is safe, legiti
On 19 October 2025, The Guardian published an article highlighting KwikChex’s investigation into fraudulent investment firms exploiting the Trustpilot review platform. The report warned of the risks these fake reviews and deceptive online practices pose to consumers and legitimate businesses. Scam investment firms regu
The Doorbraak magazine recently published an article outlining the issue of fake reviews and Trustpilot’s ongoing failure to address them in a timely and effective manner. The article highlights the challenges faced by genuine reviewers who are undermined by the platform’s review system. Concerning news Reviewers who r
Chris Emmins, CEO of KwikChex, was recently featured in a hard-hitting episode of the BBC’s flagship consumer affairs programme Rip Off Britain. Aired on Friday, 18 April at 09:30 on BBC One, the episode shone a spotlight on alarming consumer complaints surrounding Central Paralegals — a company linked to a wider netwo
Chris Emmins, CEO of KwikChex, will once again feature in an upcoming episode of the BBC’s flagship consumer affairs programme, Rip Off Britain. The episode, scheduled to air on Friday, 18 April at 09:30 on BBC One, will focus on the deceptions timeshare owners can be exposed to by businesses offering exit and claims s
