fraud
Is there a law against false testimonials?
<p>Is anyone aware of any law (statutory or case-specific) in the U.S. or any of its states (or any jurisdiction in the world, for that matter) that prohibits or makes it illegal to falsify a testimonial?</p>

Example

<blockquote>
  <ul>
  <li>"This is the best I've product ever used!" - Jane Doe, CEO Newco</li>
  <li>"This product solves all my problems!" - James Kirk, CEO Enterprise</li>
  </ul>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/52" rel="nofollow">The closest I can find is here</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/52" rel="nofollow">https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/52</a></p>

15 U.S. Code § 52 - Dissemination of false advertisements

<blockquote>
  <p>(a) Unlawfulness. It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, or corporation to disseminate, or cause to be disseminated, any false advertisement—</p>
  
  <p>(1) By United States mails, or in or having an effect upon commerce, by any means, for the purpose of inducing, or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly the purchase of food, drugs, devices, services, or cosmetics; or</p>
  
  <p>(2) By any means, for the purpose of inducing, or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in or having an effect upon commerce, of food, drugs, devices, services, or cosmetics.</p>
  
  <p>(b) Unfair or deceptive act or practice.
  The dissemination or the causing to be disseminated of any false advertisement within the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce within the meaning of section 45 of this title.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><em>For the purpose of this question, assume there is no actual person named Jane Doe who is the CEO of a company called Newco or James Kirk who is the CEO of Enterprise.</em></p>

<p>I know <strong><em><a href="http://definitions.uslegal.com/p/puffery/" rel="nofollow">puffery</a></em></strong> is affirmatively allowed. But this is different. It's about false testimonials.</p>

<p><strong><em>Edit:</strong> Although there is already an accepted answer (because it answers the question), other answers for other jurisdictions are welcome and will be encouraged with upvotes if they cite either statues or cases.</em></p>

<p>In Australia, Australian Consumer Law (and the various state Trade Practices Acts) prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct. <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/business/advertising-promoting-your-business/false-or-misleading-statements" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This includes any kind of false or misleading statement, and explicitly includes false testimonials</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It is illegal for a business to make statements that are incorrect or likely to create a false impression. This includes advertisements or statements in any media (print, radio, television, social media and online) or on product packaging, and any statement made by a person representing your business.</p>
<p>For example, your business must not make false or misleading claims about the quality, value, price, age or benefits of goods or services, or any associated guarantee or warranty. Using false testimonials or ‘passing off’ (impersonating another business) is also illegal.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Notwithstanding the above, puffery is also affirmatively permitted.</p>
<p>For example, in <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/cth/FCA/2013/731.html?stem=0&amp;synonyms=0&amp;query=misleading%20testimonial" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><em>Volunteer Eco Students Abroad Pty Limited v Reach Out Volunteers Pty Limited</em> [2013] FCA 731 </a> the court found that the operators of a business had contravened the Trade Practices Act (the State implementation of the national Australian Consumer Law) by publishing testimonials that were made by people who had never used their service (tours). The cited authority is also relevant (<a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/FCA/2006/1066.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Australian Competition &amp; Consumer Commission v Advanced Medical Institute Pty Ltd (No 3) [2006] FCA 1066</a>).</p>
