Internet Slander

[USA/UKRAINE]

What is the name of your state?
Florida

My wife is from the Ukraine we have been married about a year. She is listed on a "scammers" website. This web site list scammers involved in date scams from the Ukraine, Russia and other Eastern European countries. The site so far has refused to remove her profile. I feel that this is a form of slander. She can be found by typing her madian name in a google or yahoo search. What can be done to force the company to remove her name and picture from their site?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

nothing, nada, zip, zilch. Frankly, you have offered no proof that she wasn't involved in such a scam before you married her. Now, how did you meet? Let me guess? OVER THE INTERNET.

 

[snostar]

I feel that this is a form of slander.

Do you have proof, leave out your "feelings."

 

[USA/UKRAINE]

I have not seen any proof that she was involved in a scam. I just do not know how someone can use a picture of someone else without their permission. She is not a public figure. Why should she be the one to prove her innocence?

 

[stephenk]

is your wife denying she was involved in the scam? did you meet her through the same website that is being called a scam?

 

[USA/UKRAINE]

We were introduced through a family friend. However, she was member of a dating agency. She had communication with several men. I am not sure what this has to do with slander. Someone, who so far is yet to be identified, has accused her of being a scammer. Through an internet "anti-scamming" website this paid member submitted her name, phot and some personal information such as her fromer home address and phone number. I just can not understand how someone can accuse someone of doing someting without proof. Also, I would think website would have some responsiblity as well. I imagine if the accuser approached a billboard company to deiplay the same information, the billboard company would likely refuse fearing legal action. What is the difference?

The help I am looking for on this board is to determine if I will have any traction in the courts to solve this problem. Knowing the courts may agree with me would likely be enough to persuade the company displaying my wife's personal information to remove it. What do you think?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

We were introduced through a family friend. However, she was member of a dating agency. She had communication with several men. I am not sure what this has to do with slander. Someone, who so far is yet to be identified, has accused her of being a scammer. Through an internet "anti-scamming" website this paid member submitted her name, phot and some personal information such as her fromer home address and phone number. I just can not understand how someone can accuse someone of doing someting without proof. Also, I would think website would have some responsiblity as well. I imagine if the accuser approached a billboard company to deiplay the same information, the billboard company would likely refuse fearing legal action. What is the difference?

The help I am looking for on this board is to determine if I will have any traction in the courts to solve this problem. Knowing the courts may agree with me would likely be enough to persuade the company displaying my wife's personal information to remove it. What do you think?

You have no grounds. And your wife has even fewer. Drop it or not, that's a personal decision.

 

[USA/UKRAINE]

Why are there not any grounds?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Because she worked for the service, and the poster is entitled to his opinion. Just as I think this whole issue is a bunch of crap. That's my opinion.

 

[stephenk]

why do you care that her former address was posted? she no longer lives in the Ukraine, she lives with you.

is the only way to find out about her is by running a Google search of her name? Cmon, how many people are doing that?

 

[USA/UKRAINE]

I belive your questions might be beyond the point. Although I imagine a judge could ask them as well. The former address is that of her parents and grand parents, a highly respected family. Listing her name like this brings dishonor. Especially since this is something she is not guilty of doing. I'd like to answer your second question with another question. How much would you care if someone could during a internet search pull up your name which takes them to a site showing your picture and accusing you of something you did not do? Would you mind if you were accused of drunk driving, child molestation, being a con-artist or even a j-walker if you did not do such things? I belive all people should have a right to keep their names clear of such things unless they are found to be true.

In our case, someone is running a commercial enterpirse making money by using the names and pictures of others. Without proof, this should not be allowed. Someone is earning a living at her expense.

Based on this I belive there should be grounds for getting this site to drop her picture and name. All I want is grounds for and grounds against us winning. Thanks to all that have responded with usefull advice.

 

[Dandy Don]

Go to your local police to make a complaint. Most police departments nowdays have someone on staff who is experienced with computer crime and if they can't investigate it they can refer you to an expert who can help you.

 

[stephenk]

ok, since you are set on filing some kind of lawsuit, do you know where the website is based?

 

[USA/UKRAINE]

The website is based in Huston, Texas.

 

[stephenk]

so go and file your lawsuit in Houston, Texas. You think your wife's privacy is invaded now? Just wait till you file your lawsuit.