My friend has. She had a one day a week child. Parent were pain from get go with late fees, etc but she sent reminder each time. Then got message saying Dad lost job and would be let them off notice period, that their daughter be sad not coming and seeing her friend and that they loved the time in care. It was one day a week for 4 weeks so 4 days paid care. She said that notice period applied, sorry he lost job but she not able to let them off. It got nasty. Mom said she not paying and carer had to be firm and say that they had a contracted agreement and client not able just ignore that when it not suit them. She did get money after reminding them that she would seek it in small claim where they would then also have pay late fees and court costs.

Then she hear this parent saying their daughter had horrible care so she shared the e-mail where they singing her praises but wanting be let off notice period. She had lot of negative press and had send a "cease and desist" letter about them ruining her reputation unfairly.

But it not possible to measure damage (if any) done by these rumours. Not fair because she is exceptional carer.