If you think a business with only five-star reviews is perfect, think again. In this episode of Beyond the Bar, we break down why flawless ratings are often a warning sign, not a badge of honor. Our team covers the hidden problems behind perfection, how fake or filtered reviews get posted, and why a touch of honest criticism can be a good thing. We show you how to spot real reviews, recognize review scams, and use these lessons to protect your money and your trust as a consumer—or your brand's reputation if you run a business. Hear stories and insights from our client relations manager, marketing manager, paid ad specialist, and CEO, each offering their own experiences handling online reviews. Learn how we approach both praise and complaints and why companies need to welcome feedback instead of burying it. You'll also discover the shady tactics behind paid review services, the value of authentic responses, and the red flags that signal when something just isn’t right. We offer plenty of tips to help you tell the real from the fake, like looking at the spread of review scores, checking reviewer names, and reading the company’s public replies for real engagement. If you care about honest business and want to support companies that keep it real, this episode is for you. Don’t forget: authenticity always beats a perfect image. Subscribe for more business insights and practical tips, and let us know in the comments what you look for in online reviews. #BusinessTruths #OnlineReviews #ConsumerTips #Authenticity #BeyondTheBar