How to Spot Fake Stories

• by 2 Shabd
• June 02, 2025
• 5 min read

We are all used to seeing reviews on major platforms, but did you know that companies sometimes pay for fake reviews to boost their products? If businesses can fabricate reviews, why wouldn’t individuals do the same? Let’s dive into how you can tell the difference between real and fake stories on 2 Shabd.

1. Look for Generalizations

When someone is unfamiliar with a product or person, their stories often end up sounding vague and general, missing out on specific information.

Examples of Fake Stories:

1. "My friend is kind, reliable, and always supportive. They bring positivity into every interaction."
2. "My cousin is an incredible cook. Her skills never fail to impress."

Examples of Valid Stories (Specificity is Key):

1. "My friend is kind, reliable, and always supportive. When I was sick last year, they visited daily with meals and encouragement. Their warmth made a tough time so much easier."
2. "My cousin is amazing at cooking. Her Chinese and Mexican dishes are so good that my parents are disappointed if they miss out when they visit my uncle."

2. Check the Length

Fake stories often consist of repetitive phrases and minimal details.

Examples of Fake Stories:

1. "Good person."
2. "The guy is the best."
3. "Nice friend."

Look for Stories with Substance:

Real stories should give you something to chew on!

3. Look for Supporting Evidence

Imagine reading glowing stories for a web developer but not a single client shares their website link. What could be the reason? The stories are fake, that’s likely why! Legitimate stories often include supporting details that enhance credibility.

Examples of Fake Stories:

1. "I had an amazing time on our trip last year!"
2. "You look just like Tom Cruise!"

Examples of Valid Stories:

1. "I had an amazing time on our trip! Check out the reel I posted below to see the highlights."
2. "You look just like Tom Cruise! Here’s the exact scene I’m talking about from a short clip."

4. Research the Story Teller

If you click on a reviewer’s profile on platforms like Google Maps or Amazon, you may end up finding no detailed information about them.

On 2 Shabd, you can click on a story teller’s profile to check their stories and even networks (social, professional, etc.) to verify their credibility. This transparency can help you feel more confident in the stories you read.