For several weeks a person involved in the same industry as myself has been spreading rumors and lies about me in online discussion forums. There is absolutely no truth to any of it. The person has said that other people who have been involved in business with me have told them these things. I have confronted the people and they tell me emfatically that the defamer has made up all of these lies and is just a mentally ill person that is taking pleasure in my dismay. My question is what can I do about it? Is this a crime? I know who the person is as they make no attempt to hide their identity. the allegations they are making have the potential to destroy my reputation and my business that I have worked very hard to build. The person has also stated, "I'm going to to hunt you through every forum I can find." They do this in public forums and in private messages. The administrators of these forums will not ban the person but they do remove his personal attacks towrds me. Help!?!?
2007-07-24 10:06:57 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, it's a civil offense. You can sue the person, assuming you know who they are, but usually it does no good. About the best thing you can do is let your reputation speak for itself. If you have people who dispute what this person says (other than you) see if you can get them to post about their experiences dealing with you. If you can't dispute them, try to ignore them, and by all means do not get into a mud slinging contest with the person. It will only make you look less professional.
The "hunt you through every forum" is on the verge of being a threat though, and could be construed as such. That is a criminal offense and you might be able to take that one a little further.
Any way you try to proceed, be wary of this person. And be damned sure you aren't guilty of whatever the person has claimed you to be guilty of if you decide to sue. For criminal possibilities about his threats, you won't have to worry as much, but it could still come into play.
Ask the forum administrators not to delete the attacks because if you do decide to sue or press criminal charges for threatening you, you'll need those as evidence for your case.
I am no lawyer, so take this advice for what you paid for it.
2007-07-24 10:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by J P 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To an extent it is a crime, however, it's more of a civil matter and a lot of it depends on if it is meant maliciously and with the intent to harm your reputation, which apparently it is being done in this manner. If it causes you financial harship or any other threats to you, then there can be criminal charges brought against the person. Also, you will have to prove the falsity of the claims being made in order to successfully prove defamation. This is my opinion and you may want to seek the advice and guidance of an attorney in your area.
2007-07-24 10:15:01 · answer #2 · answered by CJ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm no legal eagle. You don't say if you're in US or UK. If in UK, you should be able to get 30 mins free legal advice - or go to Citizens Advice Bureau. Defamation is another word for slander or libel and, as the previous answer suggested, if you can prove that it is, or has the potential, to damage your business reputation I would have thought that you have recourse to the law in some form or other - whether with criminal proceedings, or small claims court I don't know. Try to get some legal advice. I wish you well.
2007-07-24 10:22:52 · answer #3 · answered by mitramonday 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Criminal Records Search Database : http://SearchVerifyInfos.com/Official
2015-10-12 16:38:57 · answer #4 · answered by Rae 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
Defamation is a tort -- resolvable in a civil lawsuit by the person harmed.
Crimes are punished by the govt.
2007-07-24 10:11:37 · answer #5 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It may not be a crime, but you definately have a civil complaint (lawsuit)
Remember, the DA prosecutes crimes.
Individuals file civil lawsuits.
2007-07-24 10:09:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋