When Someone Spreads False Information About You

What Is Defamation?

Defamation happens when someone makes false statements about you that damage your reputation. These false statements can hurt your personal relationships, career, business, or standing in the community.

Defamation takes two forms:

  • Libel: Written defamation (social media posts, articles, emails, text messages, online reviews)

  • Slander: Spoken defamation (verbal statements, podcasts, videos, radio)

Examples of what this looks like:

  • Someone posts false accusations about you on social media

  • A former employer spreads lies about your work performance

  • Someone writes fake negative reviews about your business

  • False statements about your personal life, relationships, or character

  • Lies about your professional conduct or criminal activity

  • Fabricated stories that make people avoid or distrust you

It doesn't matter if:

  • The person claims they were "just joking"

  • They say it was their "opinion" (if it contains false facts)

  • They heard it from someone else

  • They post it anonymously or use a fake name

This Is Not Your Fault

If someone has spread false information about you, you did nothing wrong. The person who made false statements violated your rights and damaged your reputation, not you.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Ensure Your Safety First

If the defamation includes threats or makes you fear for your safety:

  • Contact local law enforcement: 911

  • Document any threatening language

  • Consider a restraining order if appropriate

2. Document What Happened

Take screenshots and preserve evidence of:

  • The false statements (exact words)

  • Where they were posted or said (URLs, platform names, locations)

  • When you discovered them (dates and times)

  • Who might have seen or heard them

  • Any evidence of who made the statements

  • Any responses or reactions from others

3. Stop the Spread

  • Social media platforms: Report the content for harassment or false information

  • Search engines: Request removal of defamatory content from search results

  • Websites: Contact site administrators to remove false posts

  • Employers/Organizations: Notify relevant parties if workplace defamation

4. Get Legal Help

Laws exist to protect your reputation. State laws provide remedies for defamation victims.

Your Legal Rights

What You Can Recover

Economic Damages:

  • Lost income or business revenue

  • Damaged business opportunities

  • Cost of reputation repair efforts

  • Medical expenses for emotional distress

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Emotional distress and mental anguish

  • Damage to reputation and standing

  • Loss of personal relationships

  • Humiliation and embarrassment

Punitive Damages:

  • Available when the defendant acted with malice

  • Designed to punish and deter future misconduct

  • Can significantly increase your recovery

State Protection

Defamation laws vary by state. In states where we primarily practice:

Pennsylvania:

  • One-year statute of limitations

  • Single publication rule (time starts when first published)

  • Anti-SLAPP protection for environmental speech only

  • Full range of damages available

New Jersey:

  • One-year statute of limitations

  • Strong protections for victims

  • Broad anti-SLAPP law requires careful strategy

  • Punitive damages available for actual malice

New York:

  • One-year statute of limitations

  • Distinction between public and private figures

  • Anti-SLAPP protections in some cases

  • Comprehensive damage recovery options

Texas:

  • One-year statute of limitations

  • Broad anti-SLAPP law (Texas Citizens Participation Act)

  • Requires strategic approach to avoid dismissal

  • Significant damages available if successful

Special Considerations for Public Figures

If you're a public figure or public official, you must prove "actual malice" - that the false statements were made with knowledge they were false or with reckless disregard for the truth.

How We Help Defamation Victims

Immediate Response

  • Affordable cease & desist letters to stop further publication

  • Emergency injunctive relief to prevent ongoing harm

  • Platform takedown requests to remove defamatory content

  • Evidence preservation to protect your case

  • Crisis communication strategy to minimize damage

Long-term Legal Action

  • Damage recovery for all economic and emotional losses

  • Accountability through civil lawsuits against defamers

  • Injunctive relief to prevent future defamatory statements

  • Anonymous defendant litigation when identity is unknown

  • Reputation rehabilitation support and strategy

Working Nationwide

While we're licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, we can work with local counsel in other states as defamation is governed by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will this cost? A: We understand that cost is a major concern for victims. We offer several options including pro bono representation for qualifying cases, discounted rates, and limited scope representation where we handle specific parts of your case. Contact us to discuss what options might work for your situation.

Q: Can I sue if I don't know who defamed me? A: Yes, we can file "John Doe" lawsuits to identify anonymous defendants through subpoenas to platforms and internet service providers.

Q: What if the defamation happened online? A: Online defamation is treated the same as traditional defamation. We have extensive experience with social media platforms, websites, and digital evidence.

Q: Will this make the situation worse by drawing more attention? A: We carefully evaluate each case to determine the best strategy. Sometimes a cease and desist letter resolves the matter quietly. Other times, legal action is necessary to stop ongoing harm.

Q: What if the person claims it was their opinion? A: Opinions are generally protected, but statements that contain false facts are not. We analyze the exact language to determine if it's actionable defamation.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit? A: Most states have a one-year statute of limitations for defamation, so it's important to act quickly.

Resources for Immediate Help

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

  • Better Business Bureau: Report false business reviews

  • Platform reporting tools: Most social media sites have harassment reporting

  • Mental health support: Consider counseling for emotional distress

Take Action Today

If someone has spread false information about you, you have rights and options. The sooner you act, the better we can protect your reputation and hold the defamer accountable.

Contact Tese Law today for a confidential consultation about your case.

Remember: Your reputation matters, and you have the right to protect it. We're here to help you fight back against false statements and restore your good name.