False Reporting
What happens when reports are filed in bad faith.
Most reports come from members who care about the site. A small number are filed to silence others. We track and act on patterns of false reporting.
How We Spot It
We look at the rate of reports per user, the share that lead to action, and the targets of repeated reports. A user who reports a single rival ten times for nothing stands out fast.
What We Do
We start with a warning that explains what counts as false reporting. Repeated false reports lead to losing the report button or, in serious cases, a suspension.
Targets of False Reports
If you are a target, we tell you. We also restore any post that was hidden by mistake. Patterns of attack from one user toward another can support a harassment claim.
Quick tips
- •Report only what you really think breaks the rules.
- •If a fight follows you across many posts, ask a moderator to step in.
- •Save evidence in case you need to file a harassment report.
- •Keep your own posts clean so a false report has nothing to land on.
Related articles
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Anti-Harassment Policy
Our zero-tolerance stance on harassment and bullying.
Read moreAppeal Process
How to appeal a decision about your account or a post.
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