Thank you, Unknown.
Dear Anonymous,.
If you have a legal question, it’s always best to talk to a professional legal lawyer as they will gather the necessary details to provide you with an accurate assessment of your situation and will have the most current information.
It is unlikely that the person you spoke with has any authority or affiliation with the company. If it is someone from the practice, you can also check in a legal authority’s place to make sure. If you have a record of the phone number, cross-reference it to ensure it is clear. This could mean that you have not spoken with someone who represents the company, which is a red flag. It is unlikely that this is a large company, but a small business might give you a verbal warning. Particularly with large companies, it would be advisable to first have a formal letter from their lawyer before contacting them. It is odd that they would call you first.
If you use words that involve written communication, particularly in cases of slander, it can be considered a defamation of character and may result in a lawsuit known as libel or a Second Amendment issue, where the law might not understand the caller’s intention behind the word used.
While there may be certain circumstances in which you could assert that statement, it is likely not permissible to state, “They unlawfully took my money,” if you provided a deposit and entered into an agreement where their actions were within the scope of said agreement. Nevertheless, if you are able to substantiate the criminal history of each individual you mention, then you may express that. There is a possibility that a legal action could be successful if you were to declare, “These individuals are felons,” and they have not been convicted of any crime. Lastly, if you are conveying the truth and offering your personal viewpoint, you are generally not held accountable. However, it is important to be cautious with your choice of words.
Additional information regarding the complete Consumer Review Fairness Act can be accessed for further reading. If you have concerns, it is advisable to consult with legal counsel once more.