Is using Shutterstock images without a license risky?

There is a bunch of tools nowadays that allow you to download Shutterstock images for free.

I've always stuck with the free ones because I don't want to get into legal trouble, but Shutterstock images are way better in quality.

I know for sure that using copyrighted images without permission can result in disastrous settlements. I've seen some horror stories about that (they paid $4000 for one single image!)

But I see that using premium images from Shutterstock won't be very risky since theoretically, they can't know if you have a license or not.

And if you get a claim, maybe you can buy a license and show it to them.

'And if you get a claim, maybe you can buy a license and show it to them.' and you dont think they can check your account to see when you purchased the image if they really want to get you? on the other hand its not a big deal people use unlicences images all the time but if you own or run a big or famous company i will be careful. my girlfriend had an issue using one of thier unlicensed images on a famous medical website, luckly the company got involve and everything was settled for few hundred euros

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'And if you get a claim, maybe you can buy a license and show it to them.' and you dont think they can check your account to see when you purchased the image if they really want to get you? on the other hand its not a big deal people use unlicences images all the time but if you own or run a big or famous company i will be careful. my girlfriend had an issue using one of thier unlicensed images on a famous medical website, luckly the company got involve and everything was settled for few hundred euros

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Yes, saying that was naive

I think that I'd rather not use an image without a license. because even if the website is not very known right now, it might be the case in the future. So, it seems like it's safer not to use copyrighted images for the long term.

thanks.

There is automated bot toolstools just issues the claims and gets screen shots. Usually $400 or so per image. They share the fine with the image owner.
If you don't pay or prove your licence they push court action etc...

Clearly it depends how traceable you are.

I've been hit a few times, and had to pay. Ended up deleting images from all of the old blog posts where I don't have a licence on file.

You guys have got me worried now! I used a website that takes away the watermark, then i flip the image would that be enough!?

CFT said:

You guys have got me worried now! I used a website that takes away the watermark, then i flip the image would that be enough!?

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Seriously using these stolen images on a site earning you money is suicidal, it's not different to using a cracked theme or plugin.

I never use ' borrowed' images like these on a main site.

You can buy quality images for $1 each from other sellers with licences.

Check out Rawpixels maybe.

Rawpixels have a cheap option on their Casual Plan
Unlimited Premium downloads for personal use

$3 per month paid annually.
Commercial is $19 per month paid annually