Spreading false information with the intent to harm someone's reputation or livelihood is known as defamation, and it can indeed be considered a crime under certain circumstances. Defamation can take different forms, such as slander, which involves spreading false information through spoken communication, or libel, which involves spreading false information through written communication.
In many jurisdictions, defamation is considered a civil offense rather than a criminal offense. This means that the person who is harmed by the false information can bring a lawsuit against the person who spread it, seeking damages for any harm done to their reputation or livelihood.
However, in some cases, defamation can be considered a criminal offense, particularly if it involves false statements about public figures or government officials. In these cases, the person who spreads the false information can face fines or even imprisonment.
Regardless of whether defamation is considered a civil or criminal offense in a particular jurisdiction, it is generally seen as a harmful and unethical practice that can cause real harm to people's lives and livelihoods. As such, it is important to be careful about the information we share and to always strive to be truthful and accurate in our communications.