SCARS Institute Statement on the Use and Display of Stolen Photos and Other Data in Scam Awareness and Crime Prevention Efforts
The misuse of stolen photos in scams, particularly in investment, romance, and other online fraud schemes, is a grave and persistent issue that continues to harm countless individuals. These images, often of unsuspecting and innocent people, are weaponized by scammers to construct convincing false identities. Victims are lured into fraudulent schemes under the guise of these fabricated personas, leading to emotional distress, financial losses, and long-term psychological impacts. To combat this ongoing issue, our organization has made the difficult but necessary decision to display these photos as part of our awareness campaigns and investigative efforts.
The Purpose of Displaying Stolen Photos
Our primary goal in displaying these stolen photos is to educate the public, help individuals recognize the hallmarks of scams, and support victims in identifying the fraud they have encountered. By showcasing these images:
- Evidence of a Crime: These photos are used as evidence of ongoing criminal activities, illustrating the tactics employed by scammers. They highlight the real and present danger posed by fraudulent schemes and serve as a visual tool to raise awareness.
- Public Awareness and Education: Many victims of scams are unaware that the photos they were shown were stolen. Displaying these images helps victims connect the dots, recognize the deception, and seek appropriate help.
- Clarification for the Pictured Individuals: For those whose photos have been stolen and misused, our efforts aim to publicly clarify that they are not associated with the fraudulent activities. This distinction helps protect their reputations and prevent further misunderstandings.
Compliance with Copyright Law and Fair Use Doctrine
We understand that the photos we display may be protected under copyright law, and we take this responsibility seriously. Our use of these images falls under the fair use doctrine, as codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act and recognized internationally. The doctrine allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as commentary, criticism, reporting, education, and research. Specifically, our use aligns with the following factors considered under fair use:
- Purpose and Character of the Use:
- The use is non-commercial and educational, intended to raise awareness about scams and assist in the prevention of criminal activities.
- The photos are displayed as part of ongoing research into scammer behaviors and tactics, with the goal of protecting the public.
- Nature of the Copyrighted Work:
- While the original photos may be personal or creative, their use here serves a transformative purpose. They are no longer displayed in their original context but are repurposed as evidence of fraudulent schemes.
- Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used:
- Only the portions necessary to identify and expose the scam are used. The images are not reproduced in a way that diminishes their original value or intent.
- Effect on the Market Value:
- The use does not compete with or diminish the market value of the original images. On the contrary, it brings attention to the unauthorized misuse of these photos, helping to protect the individuals depicted.
Respect for Those Depicted in the Photos
We are deeply sympathetic to the individuals whose photos have been stolen and misused by scammers. We recognize the embarrassment, distress, and complications that this can cause. It is important to acknowledge:
- Clarifying Innocence: Displaying these photos as evidence of scams helps to clarify that the individuals depicted are not the perpetrators of these crimes. Instead, they are victims of image theft, often unaware of how their likeness has been used.
- Helping Victims: Victims of scams often struggle with the realization that they were deceived. Recognizing the photos used in the fraud can validate their experience and reinforce that they were manipulated by sophisticated criminals, not by the individuals shown.
- Requests for Removal: While we understand that some individuals may wish to have their images removed due to embarrassment or to move on from past events, our stance is that these displays serve a critical public interest. However, we are always open to constructive dialogue and will address concerns in a way that balances transparency and compassion.
Balancing Awareness and Privacy
We strive to balance the need for public awareness with respect for personal privacy and dignity. Our efforts are guided by a commitment to ethical practices, legal compliance, and the broader goal of reducing the prevalence of online scams.
For those whose photos have been stolen, we encourage collaboration to amplify the message that they, too, are victims of this deception. Together, we can work to protect others, expose the tactics of scammers, and foster a safer digital environment for all. If you have concerns or questions regarding our use of specific images, please contact us directly for resolution.
Request Removal
If we have displayed photos or other information in error, you can notify us of this by emailing legal@AgainstScams.org
If you are the legal owner of the content, you may request its removal at our Content Removal Request Form – however, we reserve the right to reject any request that we feel is not in the best interest of scam victims or the enforcement of the law.
SCARS Scammer Preferencing Study
SCARS is conducting a long-term study of the ways that impersonation criminals preference the photos they select. It is important to understand why scammers choose the photos they do. Remember that these criminals select a limited number of images to be used in their impersonations and why they choose them can help both in training AI to recognize these choices and also alert victims about them when they see them in profiles and contacts online.
For example, we have learned that scammers are victims of their own cognitive biases just like their victims. They tend to select images that reflect what they believe will be disarming and trustworthy. Photos with animals, for example, trigger an amygdala hijack in their victims. Photos of people doing normal things tend to communicate that the people in those photos are normal and trustworthy. But those same biases in the criminals also lead them to select images that represent what they hope to accomplish, such as wealth, if you know what to look for.
Every stolen photo on this site is a part of this scholarly study and contributes to the volume of knowledge we obtain from them. To learn more about the current SCARS research visit study,AgainstScams.org To add photos that you have collected from these criminals to our work visit www.AnyScam.com
For more, see our SCARS Institute Statement on the Use and Display of Stolen Photos in Scam Awareness and Crime Prevention Efforts – 2024
About the Above SCARS Institute Information
The foregoing is not intended to be completed research itself but rather to report on SCARS Institute’s ongoing research and to offer suggestions to other institutions regarding areas where additional research might be conducted. This summary aims to highlight key findings and propose potential avenues for further investigation, contributing to a broader understanding of the subject matter and encouraging continued exploration within the field.
If you would like more information or to collaborate on research studies or projects please contact the SCARS Institute at contact@AgainstScams.org
For more, see our SCARS Institute Statement on the Use and Display of Stolen Photos in Scam Awareness and Crime Prevention Efforts – 2024
Why Do Scammers Steal & Use Stolen Photos
Scammers steal photos of real people to use in romance scams and other scams primarily because it lends credibility and authenticity to their fabricated personas. By presenting themselves as someone with genuine photos and a seemingly real identity, scammers can quickly establish trust and rapport with their victims more effectively. These stolen images often depict attractive individuals, which can entice potential targets and make them more susceptible to manipulation – this is a result of a cognitive bias called the ‘Halo Effect‘. Moreover, using photos of real people adds a layer of complexity to the scam, making it harder for victims to detect the deception. Overall, incorporating genuine photos into their schemes enables scammers to exploit the emotions and vulnerabilities of their targets more effectively, increasing the likelihood of financial gain.
