My Encounter with a Copyright Infringement Scam: A Cautionary Tale

A firsthand account of how I uncovered a deceptive copyright infringement claim and the steps you should take to protect yourself.

The Rise of Online Copyright Scams

In today’s digital landscape, scams are evolving faster than ever, preying on individuals and businesses alike. Among the most insidious are fraudulent copyright infringement claims — deceptive tactics designed to manipulate recipients into paying unnecessary fees. I recently found myself nearly ensnared in such a scheme, and I feel compelled to share my experience.

This is more than just a cautionary tale — it’s a step-by-step guide on how I navigated the situation, the warning signs I uncovered, and the proactive measures you can take to avoid falling victim.

The Unsettling Email

It all started on February 14, 2025, when I received an unexpected email from an entity calling itself COPYTRACK. The message claimed to be acting on behalf of YayImages, alleging that my company’s website was using a copyrighted image without proper authorization.

The email was strikingly professional, containing:

• A case number to make it seem official
• A description of the alleged violation
• A screenshot of the image from my website
• A deadline to respond
• A financial demand — either purchase a retroactive license or face legal consequences
• And signed by their CEO Marcus Schmitt

At first glance, the claim seemed legitimate. As someone who respects intellectual property rights, my initial reaction was a mix of concern and confusion. Had I unknowingly used an image without proper licensing? It seemed highly unlikely, given my extensive experience working with major ad networks, but I always consider every possibility before drawing hasty conclusions.

Initial Reaction: Doubt and Due Diligence

Rather than immediately complying, I took a moment to analyze the situation rationally. A few things stood out:

1. No Prior Notice — Typically, legitimate copyright claims involve an initial request to remove the content before escalating to legal threats. This email skipped directly to demanding money.
2. An Email Signed by the CEO — These matters are usually handled by a legal or compliance team, not the company’s top executive.
3. High-Pressure Tactics — The email emphasized urgency, pushing for a quick response. Scammers often rely on creating panic to force hasty decisions.

This raised enough red flags to warrant further investigation.

The Investigation Begins

Determined to get to the bottom of the claim, I followed a structured approach:

1. Identifying the Image

The email specified which image was allegedly infringing copyright. I quickly checked our website and found the image in question.

2. Verifying the Image Source

I traced the image’s origin and discovered that we had sourced it from a reputable platform that offers royalty-free images under a clear and simple License. This license explicitly states:

✔ Images can be used freely for personal and commercial projects

✔ No attribution is required

✔ Modifications are allowed

Since we had obtained the image legally and within the licensing terms, there was no valid infringement.

3. Researching YayImages

Curious about the entity making the claim, I dug deeper into YayImages. A quick Google search revealed:

• Excessive number of negative reviews from users who received similar copyright infringement emails, with a Google Maps rating of 1.2/5 at the time of writing
• Complaints about aggressive payment demands
• Several accounts of individuals being targeted despite using legally licensed images

This was yet another major red flag.

4. Examining Copytrack’s Practices

Copytrack presents itself as a copyright enforcement service, claiming to help photographers and agencies recover licensing fees. However, further research into their operations revealed:

• A pattern of mass copyright claims, often targeting people who had obtained images from free stock photo sites
• Reports of false positives, where legally acquired images were wrongly flagged
• Discussions in legal forums highlighting Copytrack’s dubious tactics
• Hundreds of negative reviews on Trustpilot

By now, it was clear — this was not a genuine copyright claim but rather an exploitative scheme.

Connecting the Dots: A Scam in Disguise

At this point, I was convinced that this was a fraudulent operation designed to scare website owners into paying unjustified fees.

The modus operandi is simple:

1. Send mass emails alleging copyright infringement.
2. Use registered company (such as Copytrack or YayImages) to appear legitimate.
3. Demand payment immediately, often using legal threats.
4. Target free stock images, knowing many users won’t remember where they originally sourced them.
5. Exploit fear, hoping recipients comply to avoid legal trouble.

Had I blindly followed their instructions, I might have paid a hefty fee (900+ euros!) for something I had every legal right to use.

Lessons Learned: How to Protect Yourself

If you ever receive an email claiming copyright infringement, don’t panic. Follow these steps to verify its legitimacy:

✅ 1. Verify the Image Source

• Check where you obtained the image (you can use the reverse image search from Google to help you).
• If it was from a royalty-free stock site, review its licensing terms.
• If you have a license receipt, keep a record.

✅ 2. Research the Claimant

• Look up the company making the claim.
• Search for reviews and complaints online (Google Maps, Trustpilot…).
• Check legal forums to see if others have received similar messages.

✅ 3. Look for Red Flags

• Does the email demand immediate payment?
• Does it skip the usual copyright takedown notice and go straight to threats?
• Is the sender’s email address legitimate?

✅ 4. Seek Legal Counsel

If you’re unsure, consult a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law before taking action.

✅ 5. Report the Scam

• Notify consumer protection agencies or legal authorities.
• Share your experience online to warn others.

✅ 6. Ignore the Scammers

Don’t bother replying to them and refrain from threatening them or using profanity. Remain professional and save your time and energy for constructive tasks.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Vigilant

In an era where online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, due diligence is your best defense. Copyright laws exist to protect creators, but bad actors exploit them to extort unsuspecting individuals.

If I had rushed into action without verifying the claim, I could have lost money and peace of mind. Instead, by investigating, I uncovered a scam and avoided unnecessary financial loss.

The takeaway? Always verify before you comply.

Stay informed. Stay cautious. And most importantly, don’t let fear dictate your decisions when facing potential scams.

Did you find this article valuable? We can help your business make an impact with professionally crafted content.