Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Google Reverse Image Search Scam - How it Works
Google Reverse Image Search Scam - How it Works

A reverse image search scam typically involves criminals using stolen photos of attractive people to create fake profiles on dating apps or social media. They gain your trust, often steer the conversation toward fake cryptocurrency investments ("pig butchering"), and refuse video calls. Using reverse image search is how you catch these scammers.

Using Google to Verify an Online Profile

  1. Save the Photo: Save the profile picture or screenshot the images from your match.
  2. Use Google Lens: Navigate to Google Images and click the camera icon to upload the photo.
  3. Analyze the Results:
    • If the exact same photo appears under multiple different names or on stock photo sites, you are dealing with a romance scam or catfish.
    • If no results appear, be highly suspicious. Scammers are now using AI to generate faces that do not exist elsewhere online.

Protecting Yourself Online

  • Demand a real-time check: Before sending money or personal information, ask the person to take a specific, harmless action (like taking a quick selfie while holding up two fingers).
  • Watch out for your own data: Be aware that criminals often use reverse image search to find your face on social media. They then use your photos and family details to blackmail you or run impersonation scams.
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