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    rayla's Avatar
    rayla Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    May 6, 2012, 03:41 PM
    Defamation of character small claims court
    I am considering suing someone in small claims court in CA for defamation of character. An online website has claimed that I am a scam artist and that my degrees are fake. There posts appear high on the Google list. My business has decreases significantly. Everything they say about me is untrue.. Unfortunately I have no money to pursue this in Superior Court. Does anyone thing I have a chance?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #2

    May 6, 2012, 04:11 PM
    Not much of a chance in small claims court for this type of situation.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #3

    May 6, 2012, 04:27 PM
    Small claims courts are generally restricted to cases where there is a specific loss or recovery of specific property. The Small Claims Court, A Guide to Its Practical Use - California Department of Consumer Affairs

    You would have to prove here that your loss of business is due to this sites claim. You would have to also prove that the sites claims were made maliciously and with knowledge of their false nature.

    As for having no money, if you win, the defendant would be required to pay your court costs, so you might find an attorney to take the case on that basis.

    On that basis though, what I would do is post a link on your site labeled verification of credentials.Then include in the link proof that your degrees are real. You can also mention that recently some negative info has been posted online about you. State that the info is untrue and that you have no record of complaints and that your degrees are verifiable.
    rayla's Avatar
    rayla Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    May 7, 2012, 07:14 PM
    Thank you!
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