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I'm researching a story for my company about local dealerships that fill up sites like Dealer Rater, Edmunds, Yelp, etc. with fake user reviews to cover up all of their terrible reviews from customers. 

Some of these companies have been sued by the state several times for violations of the Consumer Fraud Act.

It seems they're trying to cover this up by posing as customers and posting phony, overly positive reviews.

 I would like to hear from experts who may know more about this practice.  Has anyone run into this?  Is it common?  Do dealers do this to cover up a bad reputation? 

I would appreciate any advice or information.