Have you ever heard of robots that scan websites looking for copyrighted images?

Posted on a FB group:

“Are you aware that there are companies using robots to scan websites looking for copyrighted images to see if you have a license??? And, are you also aware that even if you did not put the image on your website you are still liable and responsible to pay the fine? In my case, a friend that did my website downloaded a free software program from JAlbum in 2007. Last Fall I received a letter from Getty Images informing me they found a copyrighted image on my website and I did not have a license for it. There is a lot of information on Getty Images you can google as many people have received letters demanding money. Many told me it was a scam and not to send money to them. Well, today I received a letter from a law firm demanding I pay them more than $1500. Even though it was free software downloaded by my friend and we did not know a copyrighted image was used, I am still responsible to pay. The bottom line is the owner of the website is liable. So, try to be sure the software programs and templates you or your webmaster use are not copyrighted unless you purchase the license for them.”

After this, the person commented down in the thread that she looked into getting an attorney, but since they charge $300 per hour she decided to pay this demand.

My advice was that I wouldn’t pay anything like this without a court order.

I’m cynical and since I never heard of “robots scanning websites looking for copyrighted images” it sounds like B.S. to me.