Originally Posted by Lilacarchie

Simply, such comments can be construed as being libellous.

In law, there have been a number of cases relating to internet forums, where opinions and comments have been published as false and defamatory written statements which have been proven to have damaged a person's reputation.

Libel is the act or crime of actually publishing defamatory statements and as such someone i.e. a dealer could in effect bring a charge against the author or the forum owners.

Perhaps one of the moderators could comment