The virtual assistant (VA) industry is booming, with businesses and entrepreneurs relying on remote professionals to handle tasks efficiently. But beneath the surface, many VA companies engage in shady tactics—fake reviews and misleading ratings—to appear more credible than they truly are. Let’s uncover how these deceptive practices work and how to protect yourself.
The Rise of Virtual Assistant Companies
Why Virtual Assistants Are in High Demand
The shift to remote work and the gig economy has made virtual assistants an attractive solution for businesses. Companies and solopreneurs seek VAs to manage administrative tasks, customer support, and even digital marketing.
But as demand has grown, so has competition among VA companies. Many businesses struggle to stand out in an oversaturated market, leading some to resort to unethical tactics.
The Role of Online Reviews in Hiring Decisions
Most people rely on online reviews and ratings when choosing a VA service. A company with hundreds of five-star reviews appears trustworthy, making potential clients more likely to hire them.
Unfortunately, these ratings don’t always reflect reality. Many VA providers manipulate reviews, misleading customers into believing they offer top-tier services.
The Global Nature of VA Services
VA companies operate worldwide, with providers in countries like the Philippines, India, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. While many offer legitimate services, some exploit geographical distance to create a false sense of credibility through manipulated ratings.
Customers may struggle to verify whether a VA company is genuinely reputable or just skilled at gaming the system.
How Fake Reviews Mislead Clients
Fabricated Testimonials on Review Sites
Many VA companies pay for fake reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Clutch, and Google Reviews. These fabricated testimonials create the illusion of satisfied clients when, in reality, the company may offer poor service, missed deadlines, or even scams.
Some tactics include:
- Hiring freelancers to write glowing five-star reviews.
- Posting from multiple accounts to boost positive ratings.
- Creating fake client profiles with staged feedback.
The “Flood and Bury” Strategy
Some VA companies take deception further by using the “flood and bury” strategy:
- They flood review platforms with fake positive reviews to push negative feedback down.
- They report genuine negative reviews as “inappropriate” to get them removed.
- They incentivize real clients with discounts or refunds to leave five-star ratings.
This creates an illusion of flawless customer satisfaction, making it difficult for potential clients to spot red flags.
Misleading “Verified” Reviews
Some VA companies use “verified reviews” labels to appear more trustworthy. While some platforms genuinely verify purchases, others allow businesses to pay for verification badges—which means the review might still be fake.
Clients assume these ratings are legitimately earned, but the reality is that many companies manipulate the verification process to appear more credible.
How VA Companies Manipulate Ratings
Fake LinkedIn and Upwork Profiles
Some VA providers create fake LinkedIn or Upwork profiles, listing impressive work histories and fake client recommendations. These profiles often:
- Steal real company logos to look legitimate.
- Use stock photos or AI-generated images as profile pictures.
- List false credentials to appear more experienced.
Potential clients may believe they’re hiring a top-rated virtual assistant, but they could end up with an inexperienced or even nonexistent worker.
Buying High Ratings on Freelance Platforms
On platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer, VA companies buy high ratings or create multiple fake accounts to rate themselves positively.
Some unethical strategies include:
- Paying friends or employees to hire them and leave five-star reviews.
- Using bots to generate fake projects and feedback.
- Offering free services in exchange for positive ratings.
These tactics make it appear as though they have a proven track record, even if their actual work is subpar.
Suppressing Bad Reviews with Legal Threats
Some VA companies go as far as threatening dissatisfied clients with legal action if they leave negative reviews. Clients who complain publicly may receive cease-and-desist letters, intimidation tactics, or even refund offers in exchange for deleting their reviews.
This prevents honest feedback from surfacing, leaving only the manipulated, positive ratings for potential clients to see.
Red Flags: How to Spot Fake VA Reviews and Ratings
Overly Generic or Repetitive Reviews
One major red flag of fake VA company reviews is that they tend to be generic, vague, or overly positive without specific details.
Watch out for:
- Reviews that simply say, “Great service! Highly recommend!” without explaining why.
- Multiple reviews using similar wording across different platforms.
- Lack of specific client experiences, tasks completed, or measurable outcomes.
Genuine reviews often contain personal details about projects, challenges, and results—fake ones don’t.
Suspiciously High Ratings with No Negative Feedback
No company is perfect, and even the best VA providers have some dissatisfied clients. A 100% five-star rating with no constructive criticism can indicate review manipulation.
Check for:
- A sudden influx of positive reviews within a short period.
- A pattern where negative reviews disappear after being posted.
- All reviewers giving perfect scores, even for subjective experiences.
If you see only glowing feedback, it’s a sign that something is being hidden.
New Accounts with No Other Review History
On platforms like Trustpilot, Clutch, or Google Reviews, fake reviewers often use newly created accounts that exist solely to post positive feedback.
Red flags include:
- Reviewers with no previous activity on the platform.
- Generic usernames with no profile pictures.
- Multiple five-star reviews posted on the same day.
Legitimate users typically review multiple businesses over time—not just one VA company.
Excessive Use of Buzzwords and Marketing Language
Fake reviews often sound more like advertisements than genuine customer experiences. If a review reads like a sales pitch, be skeptical.
Phrases to watch out for:
- “Top-notch, unparalleled service you won’t find anywhere else!”
- “The absolute best virtual assistants in the world—look no further!”
- “I was skeptical at first, but now I’m amazed by their incredible skills!”
Real clients share specific pain points and solutions, while fake reviews overuse exaggerated praise.
Negative Reviews That Get Attacked or Removed
If you find critical reviews, check how the VA company responds. Some unethical companies:
- Argue aggressively with dissatisfied clients.
- Drown out criticism by flooding platforms with positive reviews.
- Report negative reviews to get them removed.
A company that can’t handle criticism professionally is a red flag.
Tactics VA Companies Use to Mislead Clients
Fake “Top-Rated” Badges on Their Website
Many VA companies design their own “award” graphics claiming to be “#1 Virtual Assistant Service” or “Top-Rated by Industry Experts.”
These badges often:
- Have no source or verification from a real industry organization.
- Use made-up rankings that don’t exist elsewhere online.
- Appear identical on multiple VA websites (a sign of shared marketing tactics).
If the award isn’t linked to a real ranking or recognized platform, it’s likely fake.
Partnering with Review Aggregators to Control Ratings
Some VA companies partner with “review management” services that help them manipulate online ratings.
These services allow them to:
- Filter out negative reviews before they go public.
- Manually approve which reviews get published.
- Incentivize only satisfied clients to leave feedback.
If a review site only shows perfect ratings, check third-party platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, or independent blogs for unfiltered opinions.
Misleading Social Proof and “Client” Testimonials
Many VA websites display logos of well-known brands like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google—implying they’ve worked with these companies.
However, in many cases:
- There’s no proof of an actual partnership.
- They may have done a single, minor project for a freelancer working at the company.
- The logos are copied from stock images to create credibility.
Always verify these claims by checking LinkedIn, case studies, or independent sources.
Fake Success Stories and Case Studies
Many VA companies fabricate case studies showcasing “client success.”
Warning signs include:
- Case studies with no actual client names or company details.
- Overly polished results like “We increased revenue by 300% in 30 days!” with no supporting data.
- Reused stock photos or generic business images.
Real case studies contain verifiable data, client testimonials, and measurable improvements.
How to Verify a Virtual Assistant Company’s Legitimacy
Check Multiple Review Platforms for Consistency
A reputable VA company will have a consistent reputation across different platforms, not just on its own website.
To verify legitimacy:
- Look at Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Clutch, and Reddit for unbiased opinions.
- Compare reviews on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr with those on third-party sites.
- Be skeptical if a company has only one source of feedback—especially if it’s on their own website.
If reviews wildly differ across platforms, it’s a sign that some may be manipulated.
Request References and Contact Previous Clients
One of the best ways to verify a VA service is by speaking directly to past clients. A legitimate company should be happy to provide references.
Ask for:
- Real client testimonials with LinkedIn profiles or company websites attached.
- Case studies with measurable success metrics and project details.
- Contact information so you can ask about their experience firsthand.
If a VA company refuses to provide references, that’s a major red flag.
Analyze Their Digital Footprint and Social Media Presence
A legit VA business should have an active and professional online presence.
Verify:
- Their LinkedIn page—do they have real employees?
- Their social media engagement—are clients interacting with their content?
- Their website details—is there an address, phone number, and professional email?
Scam companies often have barebones websites, fake LinkedIn employees, or inactive social media pages.
Run a Reverse Image Search on Employee Photos
Some VA companies use fake profile pictures for their team members. You can verify authenticity by running a reverse image search on Google.
Steps to check:
- Right-click on a profile image and select Search image with Google.
- See if the picture appears on stock photo websites or multiple unrelated profiles.
- If the same image is used across different names and companies, it’s likely fake.
Real VA companies should have genuine team photos, not stock images.
Ask for a Small Trial Task Before Committing
Before signing a long-term contract, test the VA service with a small paid trial task.
Observe:
- Their response time and communication skills.
- The quality of their work and attention to detail.
- Their ability to follow instructions accurately.
If they fail a basic trial task, it’s better to walk away before investing in a full contract.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself from Fake VA Services
The virtual assistant industry is full of high-quality professionals, but it’s also riddled with scam companies, fake reviews, and misleading ratings.
To avoid being deceived:
✅ Investigate reviews across multiple platforms.
✅ Request client references and case studies.
✅ Verify digital footprints and online presence.
✅ Check for fake images and misleading team profiles.
✅ Start with a small trial project before making a commitment.
By doing your due diligence, you can find a trustworthy VA service that truly adds value—without falling for deceptive marketing tactics.
FAQs
What should I do if I suspect a VA company has fake reviews?
If something seems off, you can:
- Cross-check reviews across multiple sites like Google, Trustpilot, and LinkedIn.
- Search for the company on Reddit or freelancer forums, where people share real experiences.
- Contact past clients (if available) to confirm their experiences.
If you suspect review fraud, report it to the review platform. Some sites take action against businesses that manipulate ratings.
Can I trust video testimonials on VA company websites?
Not always. Some VA companies hire actors or use AI-generated videos for fake testimonials. A good way to verify authenticity is by:
- Checking if the “client” appears in multiple testimonial videos for different companies.
- Looking up the person’s LinkedIn profile to confirm they actually worked with the VA provider.
- Searching for real client case studies that contain measurable results rather than just praise.
Are there any signs that a VA company is genuinely reputable?
Yes! A legitimate VA company will have:
✅ Verified case studies with specific results and real client names.
✅ An active LinkedIn presence with real employee profiles.
✅ Consistent reviews across multiple platforms—not just perfect ratings.
✅ A professional website with contact details, a real business address, and team bios.
If a company checks all these boxes, it’s much more likely to be trustworthy.
Why do some VA companies have only five-star reviews?
A company with nothing but perfect reviews is often manipulating its ratings. No business can please every client 100% of the time.
Some tactics they use include:
- Flooding review sites with fake five-star ratings to bury negative feedback.
- Reporting or disputing critical reviews until they are removed.
- Offering refunds or discounts to unhappy clients in exchange for removing complaints.
A legit VA company will have a mix of positive and constructive feedback, showing they work with real clients.
Can Google Reviews and Trustpilot be trusted?
Google Reviews and Trustpilot are useful but not foolproof. While both platforms try to combat fake reviews, companies can still game the system.
For example, a VA company might:
- Use bots or employees to leave fake five-star reviews.
- Pay review services to post positive feedback from fake accounts.
- Delete or challenge real negative reviews, making it seem like they have no complaints.
To verify credibility, compare reviews across multiple platforms and check for patterns of suspicious activity (like similar wording or review spikes).
What are some red flags when hiring a VA company?
🚩 Too many vague, overly positive reviews that don’t mention specific tasks or outcomes.
🚩 A company refuses to provide client references or proof of past work.
🚩 High-pressure sales tactics pushing you to commit before testing their services.
🚩 No clear refund or satisfaction guarantee—meaning they may disappear if things go wrong.
🚩 Fake-looking employee profiles with stock photos or AI-generated images.
If you notice one or more of these signs, proceed with caution or look elsewhere.
Can VA companies delete bad reviews?
Yes, some companies use legal threats, fake reports, or bribery to get bad reviews removed. Others create so many fake positive reviews that the real ones get buried.
For example, some businesses hire reputation management firms that specialize in:
- Filing false copyright claims to take down critical reviews.
- Flagging real customer complaints as “spam” to remove them.
- Burying negative feedback under a flood of new fake reviews.
If you find negative reviews disappearing, it’s a strong sign of review manipulation.
How do I test if a VA company is legit before hiring them?
To avoid scams, follow these steps:
✔ Ask for a small test project to see how they communicate and handle tasks.
✔ Request case studies or client references—and verify them independently.
✔ Check for a strong online presence (LinkedIn, website, client interactions).
✔ Look for real, verifiable reviews across multiple platforms.
✔ Avoid companies that pressure you into signing long-term contracts upfront.
A legit VA company will be transparent, communicative, and willing to prove their credibility.
How can I spot a fake VA company website?
Fake VA companies often create generic, low-effort websites with little real information. Some warning signs include:
🚩 No physical address or vague company location (e.g., just “USA” or “Global”).
🚩 Stock photos of employees or AI-generated images instead of real team members.
🚩 No client testimonials or only vague praise without real names or companies.
🚩 Unrealistic claims like “100% satisfaction guaranteed” with no refund policy.
🚩 No LinkedIn or social media presence, or accounts with few real followers.
A legit VA company should have a professional-looking website, real contact information, and clear details about their services.
Do virtual assistant companies use AI to fake testimonials?
Yes, some VA companies use AI-generated reviews and testimonials to make their services look more reputable. This includes:
- AI-generated text reviews that sound too polished or robotic.
- Deepfake videos of “clients” giving positive testimonials.
- AI-generated profile pictures for fake team members on LinkedIn or their website.
To detect AI fakes, check for unnatural phrasing, inconsistencies, or an overuse of generic praise with no details.
How do I know if a VA company is outsourcing to unqualified workers?
Some VA companies market themselves as premium services but secretly outsource work to low-cost, unqualified freelancers. Watch for these signs:
⚠ Drastically low pricing that seems too good to be true.
⚠ Inconsistent communication styles—you may speak to different people each time.
⚠ Work quality that doesn’t match the company’s reputation.
⚠ Missed deadlines or ignored instructions, signaling lack of experience.
If you suspect outsourcing, request a direct call with your VA or ask for work samples before committing.
Are VA agencies better than hiring freelancers directly?
It depends. VA agencies provide more structure and reliability but may come with higher costs and review manipulation risks. Freelancers can be more affordable and transparent but require more vetting.
Pros of VA agencies:
✅ More structured workflows and backup support.
✅ Easier to scale if you need multiple VAs.
✅ May handle admin tasks like contracts and payments.
Cons of VA agencies:
❌ More expensive due to agency fees.
❌ Higher chance of fake reviews and misleading marketing.
❌ You may not get the exact VA advertised—some agencies swap workers without notice.
To decide, check if the agency is transparent about their hiring process and whether they allow direct communication with your VA.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed by a VA company?
If you realize a VA company misled you with fake reviews or delivered poor service, take these steps:
1️⃣ Leave an honest review on multiple platforms to warn others.
2️⃣ Report them to the platform (Upwork, Fiverr, Trustpilot, etc.) if they violated terms.
3️⃣ Dispute charges with your bank or PayPal if the service was fraudulent.
4️⃣ Post in online communities (Reddit, Facebook groups, LinkedIn) to expose their tactics.
5️⃣ Consider legal action if they stole money or breached a contract.
Reputable platforms take scams seriously, so reporting fraudulent VA companies helps prevent others from being misled.
Resources for Verifying VA Companies & Detecting Fake Reviews
Review & Business Verification Platforms
- Trustpilot – Check for genuine user reviews and business reputation.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Verify if a VA company is accredited and check complaint history.
- Glassdoor – See employee reviews to assess company culture and legitimacy.
- Clutch – B2B service reviews with case studies and verified clients.
Freelance & Hiring Platforms
- Upwork – Check freelancer ratings, job history, and client feedback.
- Fiverr – Analyze seller reviews and completion rates.
- PeoplePerHour – Look for verified freelancer ratings and success stories.
- Toptal – A premium network with vetted freelancers and agencies.
Fake Review & Scam Detection Tools
- Fakespot – AI-powered tool to detect fake Amazon, Yelp, and Trustpilot reviews.
- ReviewMeta – Analyzes product reviews for manipulation patterns.
- ScamAdviser – Checks website trustworthiness and legitimacy.
- Google Reverse Image Search – Detects stock photos used in fake testimonials.
Online Communities for VA & Scam Discussions
- r/VirtualAssistants (Reddit) – Real experiences from VA clients and freelancers.
- r/Scams (Reddit) – Discussions on scams, fake reviews, and fraud prevention.
- VA Networking – A trusted community for virtual assistants and hiring best practices.
- Facebook Groups – Search for “Virtual Assistant Reviews” or “VA Scam Alerts” groups.
Using these resources, you can verify VA companies, detect fake reviews, and avoid scams when hiring a virtual assistant.
