: eBay uses automated systems and manual reviews to identify suspicious patterns, such as a sudden influx of reviews from new or unrelated accounts.
: Manipulating feedback to boost Top Rated Seller status is a direct violation; if caught, eBay may lower your visibility in search results even if the account remains active. How to Spot Fake eBay Reviews
Buyers and researchers use several methods to identify sellers who may have purchased their reputation: Feedback manipulation policy | eBay
: Savvy buyers look for "red flags" like generic phrasing (e.g., "awesome," "great product"), reviews for items unrelated to the current listing, or a cluster of reviews posted within a very short timeframe.
Attempting to bypass organic growth through purchased reviews creates several critical vulnerabilities for sellers: