It started in the US with car lots as far as I can tell. Apartment communities are definitely getting into it these days. Basically any business which does business by being shitheads who have a ton of empty or nonsensical one-liner 5 star reviews on google are buying reviews.
I’ve noticed this as well. It unfortunately tends to sway the masses. If they can pick out one thing or can say an individual reason it’s better than something else it immediately has 100x credibility in my eyes.
“Wow great product and service! The seller shipped on time and delivered promptly”
VS
“I got this because it’s red and I like that more than the green option from OtherSeller. Still kinda ok but I got what I want.”
Especially on Amazon the first one is just insane. It has no identifying details and could relate to anything.