There is a company that I have run into that had a sudden review surge. In each of these 20+ reviews, they, as in individual accounts, review a combination of the same places having reviewed by an advertising company who has reviewed all of these businesses as well. It appears that companies around the area are hiring this advertising company who then creates many reviews, even some local government services appear to be using this advertising companies service.
Is there anything illegal about this kind of practice?
Who would be the point of contact to mediate this?
Is this fraud if they haven't received the services?