We have a client who did not pay for x amount of days, therefore, as stated in our policies, we had to suspend the account. The client has gotten a new web host and is posting false information about our company.

I thought i heard somewhere that this is illegal, as the client is ruining a reputation by using false information.

I have his information, name, address, phone. What can i do? I have screen shots and everything.

If he is indeed posting false information in an attempt to harm your company image, you can get him for slander. So, legally, according to US law, he would be liable for damages which you could have incurred from loss of sales.

would you reccomend contacting authorities or hiring a lawyer. What if he changes the website... will my screenshots stand in the courts?

Take screen shots, print them out, mail them to yourself

They will be post marked so if he changes, you have proof. Find a third party like a local printing shop to print it out for you.

:)

One more detail. I believe this is a young kid. He is in highschool. I was going to call his parents tomarro morning. Do you think this might be a way to go? I have his school id, name, websites, class schedual, ect... all from his high schools website.

I believe i have enough information and evidence to do something, but i dont know if potentially ruining a young adults life or costing his parents a large sum of money is worth my reputation. I am starting to look at it like he is a teen with a website, so most likely, other teens will be viewing that website. Should i just drop the whole matter?

Should i contact his host? I do have their information as well, although they look anything but organized. I am afraid the host may be run by a teenager as well, possibly even a friend. :(

Keep in mind.. if he's in highschool, he may not be of legal age. However, his parents could be held responsible. Either way its probably best to consult an attorney.

In any event.. Good Luck

Call Rocko an Vinnie's Attitude Adjustment Service. Ah am sure they can hep ya.

Because of his age, I would contact his parents

I would explain what is going on and a solution

Speak nicely, not like someone who is trying to ruin their child's future, because initially that is how they will take it

On second thought, write a letter and follow it up with a phone call if they don't contact you :)

You are worried about a 10 year old child?

How much impact can a 10 year old child have ? Lol....

But I would call their parent's and tell than that their son are making ilegal statements and if they don't deal with you would hire a lawer to take care.

;)

Don't be a mossy with the parent's as they need to pay atention on their childs.

Performing a screenshot may not be convincing enough. You'll want to check with your state to get a list of local notaries and have them pay you an inhome visit (it will likely cost about $20). You can then perform the screenshot in front of them, print it, and have them place their seal on it attesting to its validity.

Performing a screenshot may not be convincing enough. You'll want to check with your state to get a list of local notaries and have them pay you an inhome visit (it will likely cost about $20). You can then perform the screenshot in front of them, print it, and have them place their seal on it attesting to its validity.


Great idea. I have one in this office building, and she is coming up on her lunch break. I will then mail a letter to his parents along with a copy of his website, the affending text, and the notaries seal.

How does this sound?

Originally posted by Derek
If he is indeed posting false information in an attempt to harm your company image, you can get him for slander.

Slander is oral communuication of false statements. Since we're talking about written statements, it would be libel.

-B

Here's a thought. Don't worry about it. Spend the time you're wasting right now by stressing over what some kid said in some irrelavent forum and go out and get some more sales.

We have a darned good customer satisfaction rating. However, by hosting 1000s and 1000s of accounts...we're bound to have someone leave unhappy once in awhile. If I spent my time chasing down every negative comment, I'd drive myself insane. Instead, I focus on making existing customers happy and marketing to new customers in a positive way.

--Tina

Well said Tina!

I agree, sounds like its time to move on.

well if its a small business, one person could greatly damage your rep,, thousands of people could see posts made here, namepros.com, freewebspace.net etc.

Originally posted by Z1 hosting
well if its a small business, one person could greatly damage your rep,, thousands of people could see posts made here, namepros.com, freewebspace.net etc.

Only if you're only depending on WHT, for example, for your clients.

If you depend on a message board for all of your clients, you need to re-examine your business model.

--Tina

I doubt it can do too much damage because, like i said, he is young, so he would most likely attract young people to his website. I just dont want a bad name when its not neccesary, no matter who says the stuff.

You should still contact the parents and make them aware of what their child is doing, If they blow you off or don't take you seriously, at the very least have your attourny write up a nice legal letter explaining how their son is breaking the law. If the kid gets away with it he'll just keep doing it and this could harm your business or the business of others down the road. At the very least put in a call to his parents and inform them that you will give them a chance to take care of the matter before you resort to the legal system.

Consider it a lesson for the kids future...