The TV Shop convicted of misleading consumers with fake reviews

Wednesday 17 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 17 Dec 2025, 5:07pm

In this story Commerce Commission, Anne Callinan

Brand Developers Ltd, trading as The TV Shop, has been convicted on 13 charges in the Auckland District Court for breaching the Fair Trading Act. The company, which sells brands such as Thin Lizzy, posted fake online reviews and hid negative customer feedback. It also misrepresented bonus items and denied refund rights.

How they headlined it

3:51pm4:40pm

1. 1NewsWed 17 Dec 2025, 3:51pm

   Infomercial retailer's staff posted fake reviews, court finds (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 17 Dec 2025, 4:00pm

   TV advertising company caught lying to consumers (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 17 Dec 2025, 4:40pm

   Company behind Thin Lizzy and Transforma Ladder misled consumers with fake reviews, court finds (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldWed 17 Dec 2025, 5:07pm

   Auckland online retailer The TV Shop charged for falsifying customer reviews (opens in new tab)