Fake reviews have been a recurring problem on internet commerce sites. Google said Hu buys thousands of fake positive reviews to make the businesses appear legitimate. He then allegedly sells the profiles as "leads" to real businesses in the same fields, which receive contacts from potential customers who reach out to the fake businesses. Google said Hu created more than 350 false profiles bolstered by over 14,000 illegitimate reviews. The lawsuit accused Hu of false advertising, unlawful business practices and violating Google's terms of service.

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Persons: Ethan QiQi Hu, Hu, Cooley, Blake Brittain Organizations: Google, Northern, Northern District of, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles, San Jose , California, Hu, U.S, Northern District, Northern District of California, Washington