Recently, we have seen an increase in cases where clients receive alarming emails with the subject line “DMCA Copyright Infringement Notice.” If you own a business website or a blog, there is a high probability that such a message has already landed in your inbox.
While the protection of intellectual property is an extremely serious matter, in this particular case, we are dealing with a well-thought-out phishing scam designed to mislead you through the fear of legal consequences.
What the Email Looks Like
Typically, the email appears to be an official notice from a foreign law firm. In it, a “lawyer” informs you that you have used an image whose rights belong to their client.
However, instead of demanding the immediate removal of the photo, the scammers offer a “solution”: place an active link to their website to “compensate” the author.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Legitimate law firms rarely operate this way. Here are a few details that give the scam away:
-
Lack of Specificity: The email is addressed to “the site owner” rather than a specific individual or company. This is a clear sign of a mass campaign, not a legitimate legal claim.
-
Fake Identity: Checking the addresses provided in these emails often reveals empty lots or office buildings where no such law firm exists. Furthermore, photos of the “lawyers” on the accompanying websites are usually AI-generated or stolen from other platforms.
-
Psychological Pressure: Setting an ultimatum (a specific number of days) and citing specific sections of the US DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) are tactics intended to make you act hastily and without thinking.
What Actions to Take
If you receive such a notice, the first and most important rule is: do not rush to click on any links in the email. They may lead to malware or data-stealing software.
Verify the source yourself. If you have used your own photos or images with a paid license, you can safely ignore the message. If you have even the slightest doubt about a potential real infringement, the wisest move is to seek legal counsel before responding to anything.
