Q&A: Schemes
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Schemes
Question
Is it permissible to write a fictitious review of a certain product (I’m close to the owner of the product and I genuinely think the product is excellent), assuming that all the other competitors also write fictitious reviews in order to create demand for the product? So if I don’t do it, it will look as though my product is worse than the others even though it’s perfectly fine. In your opinion, is there a problem here from the standpoint of Jewish law or morality?
Answer
If you truly think what you wrote, then it seems to me that it is permitted. I would have someone else, an unbiased person, check it before publication.
Discussion on Answer
It definitely stinks. Maybe kosher? Doubtful.
I do indeed think so, but am I allowed to create several fictitious reviews (not just one) in order to “balance” the equation as much as necessary? The other competitors do this, and if I don’t do it too, it’ll “screw” me.