How We Successfully Removed a Defamatory 1-Star Review from RealSelf in Just 12 Days

artur0589
7 days ago
3 min read

In today’s digital world, online reviews can make or break a business's reputation. This is especially true in the medical field, where a single negative comment can turn away potential patients. In this post, we will share how a well-respected facial surgeon dealt with a damaging one-star review on RealSelf. Our process for getting it removed took just 12 days and involved several effective strategies.

The Incident: A Fake 1-Star Review Appears

When the damaging one-star review appeared on the surgeon's profile, it had a significant impact on their practice. The review stated, “He left me disfigured and ghosted me afterward.” This accusation was completely false and could seriously harm the surgeon's reputation, which had been built over years of dedication to patient care.

Anonymity only made the situation worse, as it was difficult to confront an unidentifiable source. For medical professionals, having a clean online presence is crucial, making swift action necessary.

Initial Attempts: Ignored Flags and No Response

Upon discovering the review, we quickly flagged it for removal. Unfortunately, our efforts were met with dismissal, as the platform responded, "user feedback is allowed." This experience revealed a flaw in RealSelf’s review management system: it seemed to prioritize any feedback, even if it was damaging and untrue.

Taking Further Action: Legal Letter and the Response

After the flagging attempt failed, we decided to send a legal letter to RealSelf, demanding the removal of the defamatory review. Given the seriousness of the claims, we felt this was a necessary step.

However, the response was underwhelming. The lack of acknowledgment of the legal request led us to rethink our next moves.

Escalating the Situation: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Realizing that a stronger response was needed, we implemented several strategic actions:

Increased Communication: We reached out to RealSelf through various channels, voicing our concerns clearly and persistently. This included contacting customer support via email and social media.
Emphasize Legal Action: We made it clear that legal steps were an option. Under U.S. law, individuals can remove false, defamatory content that could severely impact their career.
FTC Complaint Threat: The final push involved indicating our intention to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This serious threat underscored the gravity of the situation and encouraged a prompt response.

The Outcome: Review Removed and Reputation Restored

Our combined efforts paid off. Just 12 days after our intensive campaign, we received confirmation that the false review had been removed. This action not only cleaned up the surgeon's profile but also restored their reputation, which had been unjustly harmed by the false claim. The steps we took can serve as a valuable guide for anyone facing similar challenges with online reviews.

Key Takeaways: How to Handle Defamatory Online Reviews

Act Quickly: Address negative reviews as soon as they appear. Quick action can significantly lower the damage.
Know Your Platform: Understand the policies of the review platform you are dealing with. This knowledge can help you navigate the system effectively.
Consider Legal Options: If a review is particularly harmful, don’t hesitate to look into legal avenues. A legal letter can change how seriously a platform takes your complaint.
Engage on Multiple Channels: Use various communication methods when dealing with review platforms, including email, social media, and public forums if necessary.
Be Ready for Resistance: Understand that most platforms may not initially support your claim. A well-planned escalation strategy could be essential.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Online Reputation

In a time when online presence is critical in attracting and retaining clients, keeping a strong reputation is essential. This is particularly true for medical professionals, as a single false review could have lasting effects on their career and practice.

This case serves as a reminder that being proactive in managing your online reputation is vital. Solutions are available, and having a comprehensive strategy can lead to positive outcomes in challenging situations.

If you find yourself needing help with online reputation management, feel free to reach out to us at marcus@traceremove.com for assistance in preserving and enhancing your professional image.