Language in comments is an immediate guide to whether the post was created by the author or not. I have downvoted so many lately in sports as they can't even put a decent sentence together let alone write an article like they have just posted. If everyone paid more attention to comments and replies this would eliminate so many cheaters.
Yeah, it is a shame that it is a problem, but it is to be expected since there is very real money avaliable. People seem to think that because people need money, any behavior is suitable in order to get it.