Spreading false info & trying to down someone's reputation is also called a crime
Yes, spreading false information with the intention of harming someone's reputation is often considered a form of defamation, which is a type of civil offense or crime depending on the jurisdiction. Defamation can take the form of slander (spoken defamation) or libel (written or published defamation).
In general, to prove defamation, the following elements must be established:
The statement must be false;
The statement must be communicated to at least one other person;
The statement must harm the reputation of the person or entity in question; and
The statement must be made with fault or negligence.
If these elements are present, the person who made the false statement could be held liable for damages resulting from the harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity in question.
It is important to be cautious about the information you share and make sure it is accurate before sharing it with others.