A negative review written in anger can cost you dearly

Be careful of the comments you leave on the Internet to rate a company’s services: in the event of a biased opinion, courts may penalize an unscrupulous customer. In June 2022, the Courier Picard Related to this case is a person who left an opinion on Google that was acidic to say the least about a notary in Amiens, who ” Unrecognizable “, is described as” Thug “, a” Shame on France for doing that “

Anger is a bad counselor

Comments which, as one can imagine, greatly upset the professional who decided to file a complaint against an internet user who was perfectly identifiable on Google Review. The trial made it possible to clarify the terms of this opinion, which was, to say the least, angry; It was a problem connected with the proposed transfer of the commercial lease. In any case, the accused person decided that the notary was responsible for his troubles and vented his anger on the Internet.

He took it badly, as the prosecution said the comment could be considered an insult, “ Goes beyond freedom of expression ” The individual was fined €500, plus €1,000 in damages and €800 in court costs. In 2021, this other case left its mark: a client of an interior architecture firm posted, from six different accounts, several negative opinions that the firm that filed the complaint not based on any dealings or business experience with The court ordered this person to pay €7,000 to the complainant.

Companies are particularly wary of these notices, as they are freely accessible to the general public. A bad review written in anger can scare off potential customers. According to Partoo’s study, 76% of consumers consider it before making a purchase, which means that online comments are monitored like milk on the stove by professionals…

Lucy Chenbeau, a lawyer specializing in media law, explains Internet Journal that it is better to be vigilant and ” Stick to the facts » When posting reviews about a company. ” This moment becomes dangerous when we get carried away and generalize, especially when we leave a review that is too short. These are often derogatory, defamatory or insulting comments written. », she adds. Measurement and objectivity, common sense advice that will help to avoid complaints and possible losses – that can be as much as €12,000 – will be paid to a professional!

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