I have a question,

When someone communicates an untrue statement about you that causes you financial or reputational injury, it's called demfamation.  It can be verbal or written.  It's very difficult to prove defamation that is verbal unless someone overheard what was said. Even if you can prove that the statement was actually made and that it was false, you must also prove that you suffered damages as a result of the statement.  Defamation cases are very difficult to win but not impossible.  For a small amount of money, it is unlikely that it would be economically feasible to pursue such a claim.