Despair to due a fake news website!

[sara221]

I am feeling the rage-someone has gone on a fake news/prank website and posted a fake story about my business! I am using a relatively nc for this thread but am a long time lurker.
I just can not believe that people can be so evil, I have literally slogged over the last two years to get my business up and running- now in the place of 48hours my reputation is in tatters.
I am so upset-I guess I just need a good rant!
The sad thing is that people are believing an obvious lie, which could easily be checked on a simple google search. I have been dealing with hundreds of callers, not even customer-calling through to shout and scream at me. I have had a member of the public come in and threaten me-been told 'it is a good job your open' or else ' i would have put a brick through your windows'.
I just am speechless at the sheer levels of hatred and vitriol. I just feel like saying sod it and close!
I just do not understand why people believe everything they read-without checking at least one legitimate news site.
My business has been so badly affected by these lies, I just do not know what to do. I have reported it to the police and it could fall into the Malicious Communication 2003-but this Act is so out of date with modern social media. I just feel despair, that someone-anyone can go on a fake news site and then just screenshot and send on to major social media, to accounts with private settings-that can not be reported.
I have already had to cut my staff hours-there is a human cost to these stupid website and trying close down someone's business is not free speech.
If you have read this far, then I thank you and apologise for the length and if it reads illogically- but I am so upset and angry.

Most people in this world are good.

I really hope people come to your restaurant in their droves to support you.

I hope all these news stories are leading with the Fake News angle, rather than leading with dramatic repetitions of the accusations followed further down by some weedy "by the way, the owner says it's untrue."

Brilliant update. The Metro story has been shared 249 times so hopefully it's spreading far and wide!

Really good that you're getting some decent national news coverage.

Hi Sara221

Just to let you know I was curious about this so I googled the name of your restaurant. The first couple of links are top notch reviews with 5 stars and glowing praise and the next two are from the Mail and the Standard. The Standard makes it clear it's a fake news article in the headline. The Mail have gone their usual clickbaity ways with a dramatic headline but the first thing they mention is the fact it's a fake news story.

Such a horrible and malicious thing to happen to you. When I was in Year 10 or 11 (Back in 2004/5) there was a website that did things similar to what this sounds like, however, we did it to each other and it was jokey stories about winning the lottery or someone doing something embarrassing at school, never would have dreamed doing something so nasty and horrible.

I know it may not feel like it but as someone else said it will all blow over soon. The Internet is wonderful but can be very, very dangerous, such a double edged sword. What if that man HAD put a brick through the window? Could have seriously injured someone. And all because of a fake news story that someone decided to create?

If you do want to take this further you can find out who owns the domain name here: whois.domaintools.com/channel23news.com

And when you search for Korry Scherer you can find his address and email here: website.informer.com/Korry+Scherer.html

Looks like he runs a whole load of those awful sites. Can't believe there is so many of them. It feels like the world has gone completely mad!

Also, if I was near enough, OP, I'd visit your restaurant purely to show support.

If any mumsnetters are nearby think it would be good to go and try what looks like some delicious Indian cuisine!

I hope business starts improving again following the positive press coverage. Think how much that sort of advertising in the Daily Mail would have cost :)

Really hope the police can catch up with these vile "people"

I am so amazed and shocked that my story has featured in so many different place! I am truly humbled by everyone getting behind me and the support here really made all the difference. You all are so awesome,fantastic and encouraging, thank you.
I did have to call 101 and they sent the police out this evening. Because someone called and said they had read the Evening Standard article 'apparently it states I sell human meat' he then said we should be bombed.
That article in the Evening Standard was so clear and well written, that it really can not be misconstrued-yet I get a bomb threat. I just have no words to describe what I think!

I hope that now the news is out there things will improve immeasurably for you. It is unbelievable how thick some people are. And I hope the person who planted the fake story is absolutely crapping him/herself knowing they could be sued for libel. I wish you lots of success with your restaurant!

Have you taken legal advice from a specialist law firm?

Also you can employ companies to 'cleanse' your internet record and they work to get 'bad news stories' off the front page of google.

I haven't read the whole thread but have been in a somewhat similar situation, you need to go all out guns blazing with the local press and social media - even bring someone on board temporarily to help manage it.

Do you know who it is? Can you report this person to the Police and local services - if they are clearly not right in the head

This shows the power of word of mouth etc. I would also start your own campaign and bring in friends relatives, local netwroking groups etc and get them to help you put the story down and treat it as a learning experience moving forward, for other businesses (gaining more positive PR going forward)

Good Luck

Glad to see your story has been taken up by the BBC too. I really hope it's possible to track down whoever did this

Todays update, I was actually on Radio5Live at drivetime, telling everyone about my story. I am absolutely beyond amazed that so many people have shown interest in my story. I really would not have known where to turn if it was not for all the Mumsnetters encouraging me to put the story out there, I think you all are magnificent.
I also had Vicky Foxcroft the former MP for this ward(I know she is up for reelection) in this evening for a meal. I was so humbled that she took time to come in and support us. A incredibly genuinely lovely person who is very connected to the community and our problems. She has enjoyed our food previously and just wanted to show us solidarity.

I'm so glad things are turning around for you, it was a horrific thing that was said and I'm amazed anyone ever believed it. Well done fighting it how you have

OP I didn't read the original fake story but read the ES account. How anyone could believe that rubbish is incredible.

I am so glad that things are working out. I really hope you and your staff are able to put this behind you.

I dont live in London but if I ever find myself in your neck of the woods I will come in for a meal, which I'm sure will be delicious.

Well done OP so pleased for you what is hopefully a positive outcome arose from an initial horrible situation

I'm so glad your story is getting a wider audience. I really hope things will be 'on the up' for you now after such a horrible incident.

OP I live just up the road and didn't know of you before, but just read the thread and the ES story and I'm going to make sure my next local meal with friends is with you.

Sorry this has happened. A similar hoax thing happened to our local restaurant a couple of weeks ago and it was very harrowing, but the way the community rallied around has turned it into a positive and they have been overwhelmed by the support.

It's so scary how insane people can be on the internet and the bile they will share about a company they don't even know.

Wishing you all the best

I can't believe anyone fell for the fake news story in the first place, how stupid! Am so glad you're getting so much press regarding this and lots of support. If I was near you I'd come to your restaurant, unfortunately I am way too far away.

Have things picked up this weekend after all the publicity Sara?
I really hope so.

This is crazy! Well done for staying strong!

Sorry to bump this but just read and found this who's mentioned the OP: www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/online-trolls-target-takeaway-hate-13081598

Funnily enough just popped on to post exactly the same article.