What This Report Is About

Some channels publish videos that look like independent reviews but are covertly promotional, pushing supplements, miracle cures, or unproven treatments. This report explains the patterns, the risks, and how to collect evidence and file complaints.

Typical tactics used by fake review channels

Common signs include:

• “Review” videos that include affiliate links or promo codes in the description that lead to product landing pages.


• No presenter credentials, generic voiceovers, or reused footage that hide who is behind the claims.


• Exaggerated before/after claims, testimonials that can’t be verified, or promises of cure/rapid weight loss.


• Multiple channels using nearly identical scripts or thumbnails, indicating a coordinated “network” of dark review channels.


• Comment sections turned off or selectively moderated to hide negative feedback.

Why you should care

The main harms are:

• Promote unproven or unsafe products that can delay proper medical treatment.


• Spread misleading medical claims and create false hope.


• Use fear or urgency to coerce purchases, increasing financial harm.


• Mask paid promotion to bypass transparency rules and avoid regulation.

How to collect evidence

Gather the following details:

1. Channel name(s) and direct video URLs.


2. Screenshots of the video page showing the title, uploader, date, and description (especially affiliate or landing-page links).


3. Transcripts or exact timestamps of claims made in the video.


4. Screenshots of the product landing page(s) the video links to (showing product claims, price, and refund policy).


5. Any purchase pages or checkout screens that reveal the product brand, company name, payment processor, or contact details.


6. Evidence of repeated patterns across multiple videos or channels (identical scripts, thumbnails, or disclaimers).

How to report on YouTube and to authorities

Suggested steps:

1. Report the video to YouTube using the platform’s reporting tool (choose “Scam or fraud” or “Misinformation” if available). Include links and a concise description.


2. Send evidence to the advertiser/affiliate networks (if you can identify them) and to the product’s payment processor or merchant.


3. File a complaint with local consumer protection/regulatory agencies. For Brazil, for example, use consumer protection bodies or the public consumer portal—insert the correct local portal if needed.


4. If the content makes medical claims that could harm people, consider notifying public health agencies or professional medical boards.


5. If you or others were financially harmed, keep receipts and request chargebacks from your bank/payment provider.