If you’ve received a suspicious email claiming that you’ve used a copyrighted image without permission, there’s no need to panic. At Halo Digital, we’ve had multiple clients reach out in distress after receiving these kinds of messages. The good news? In most cases, it’s a scam.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What These Scams Look Like
The scam typically starts with an email from someone claiming to be a photographer, designer, or lawyer. They’ll say that one of the images on your website violates their copyright and demand that you take it down, sometimes linking to the “offending” image or attaching a file.
In some cases, they’ll ask you to click a link to “view the evidence.” That link? It usually leads to malware or phishing sites designed to steal your information.
Real Experiences from Reddit
These scams are so widespread that plenty of users have shared their experiences online, especially on Reddit. These posts offer valuable insights into how others handled similar claims:
- A user receives a takedown demand from a company claiming copyright infringement and asks whether they’re legally obligated to respond. The replies include stories of others who ignored similar emails without consequence and some who chose to consult a lawyer.
- A blogger who only uses licensed images shares their frustration after receiving repeated payment demands for an image they legally sourced. Commenters overwhelmingly recommend ignoring the emails, with many sharing their own experiences of the messages stopping after no response.
- A website owner received a demand for €350–€400 over an image they believed was sourced from a royalty-free platform like Unsplash or Pexels, but they couldn’t confirm the original source. They removed the image but were unsure whether to respond or ignore the email, prompting a discussion on how others have handled similar situations.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
These emails are designed to cause panic and prompt immediate action, but here are a few signs they’re not legit:
- The sender uses a free email address (like Gmail or Outlook)
- The email is vague — no mention of which image, where it appears, or what rights they claim
- They include links or attachments (never click!)
- There’s pressure to act quickly
- The tone is threatening or overly legalistic
What You Should Do
- Do not click on any links or download attachments. This is the most important step. These are usually the main vehicles for malware.
- Do not reply. Engaging with the sender can confirm that your email is active and lead to further targeting.
- Check your website. If the email does mention a specific image or page, verify where the image came from. If your content has only used licensed, original, or royalty-free images, you’re likely in the clear.
- Use a WHOIS lookup or email header check. See where the email actually came from. Most of the time, it’s nowhere near what it claims.
- Report and delete. Mark the email as spam or phishing in your inbox and delete it.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use licensed or original images: Always use photos from reputable stock libraries or ones you’ve created yourself.
- Keep a record of image sources: Save receipts or licensing agreements from image providers so you can prove you have the right to use them.
- Install website security tools: Plugins like Wordfence (for WordPress) can help filter out scam contact form submissions and bots.
At Halo Digital, we work with a wide range of clients and understand how overwhelming it can be to receive emails like these. If you’re ever unsure whether an email is legit, reach out to us. We’ll take a look and help you figure out the next steps.
