How can I tell if someone's profile photos are stolen?
Do a reverse image search: if the same photo shows up on other sites under another name, it's most likely stolen. Photos that are too perfect, always model-style or always in uniform, are also a common sign of a fake profile.
Scammers use photos of real people – models, soldiers, doctors, engineers on oil rigs, influencers – because they inspire trust. The person in the photo usually has no idea.
How to check
- Save the profile photo, or one the person sent you.
- Use Google's image search (Google Lens) and see whether the same photo appears on other sites.
- If it shows up with another name, another city or another job, the photos aren't of the person you're chatting to.
- Ask for a new photo of them making a gesture you choose, or a short video call.
- On Veritaza, check 1 looks for the same photo on the internet and check 5 tells you whether other people have already checked the same photos.
Frequently asked questions
- What if the photo doesn't show up anywhere?
- That's a good sign, but it's not proof. Scammers also use little-known or edited photos.
- Does Veritaza use facial recognition?
- No. We look for the same image, not the same face. Facial recognition uses sensitive data and we don't use it.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for R99.
Check a person