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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 876 — Real vs Fake: How to Spot Scams Using Misleading Photos
Misleading photos are one of the most common tools used by scammers on online marketplaces, where images often determine whether a buyer moves forward or walks away. Sellers who intend to deceive know exactly how to use lighting, angles, cropping, compression, filters, and selective visibility to hide flaws or disguise inauthentic features. Many listings appear legitimate simply because they contain multiple photos—even when those photos strategically avoid the areas that matter most. Without a structured workflow, it becomes easy to trust clean, bright, or dramatic images without noticing what’s missing or inconsistent. Understanding how to analyze listing photos critically is essential for protecting yourself and identifying fraud before money changes hands.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 876 teaches you the complete, non-destructive workflow used by professional authenticators to spot scams that rely on photographic misrepresentation. You’ll learn how scammers hide damage, manipulate lighting, crop out important details, over-edit surfaces, use stolen or AI-generated images, misrepresent scale, conceal signatures and maker marks, create inconsistent photo sets, and evade requests for additional angles.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify lighting tricks, angle distortion, and strategic hiding of defects
Recognize cropping patterns that mask authenticity cues
Detect digital manipulation, cloning, smoothing, and AI-generated artifacts
Spot stock images, stolen photos, and catalog images used deceptively
Evaluate whether scale or size is being misrepresented
Identify condition-hiding techniques and temporary surface treatments
Analyze signature, label, and hallmark photos for red flags
Check for inconsistencies across photo sets
Know exactly what additional images to request before purchase
Whether you're evaluating collectibles, artwork, memorabilia, luxury goods, electronics, furniture, or online auction listings, this guide gives you the expert-level tools needed to spot misleading photos and avoid scams with confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access
Misleading photos are one of the most common tools used by scammers on online marketplaces, where images often determine whether a buyer moves forward or walks away. Sellers who intend to deceive know exactly how to use lighting, angles, cropping, compression, filters, and selective visibility to hide flaws or disguise inauthentic features. Many listings appear legitimate simply because they contain multiple photos—even when those photos strategically avoid the areas that matter most. Without a structured workflow, it becomes easy to trust clean, bright, or dramatic images without noticing what’s missing or inconsistent. Understanding how to analyze listing photos critically is essential for protecting yourself and identifying fraud before money changes hands.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 876 teaches you the complete, non-destructive workflow used by professional authenticators to spot scams that rely on photographic misrepresentation. You’ll learn how scammers hide damage, manipulate lighting, crop out important details, over-edit surfaces, use stolen or AI-generated images, misrepresent scale, conceal signatures and maker marks, create inconsistent photo sets, and evade requests for additional angles.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify lighting tricks, angle distortion, and strategic hiding of defects
Recognize cropping patterns that mask authenticity cues
Detect digital manipulation, cloning, smoothing, and AI-generated artifacts
Spot stock images, stolen photos, and catalog images used deceptively
Evaluate whether scale or size is being misrepresented
Identify condition-hiding techniques and temporary surface treatments
Analyze signature, label, and hallmark photos for red flags
Check for inconsistencies across photo sets
Know exactly what additional images to request before purchase
Whether you're evaluating collectibles, artwork, memorabilia, luxury goods, electronics, furniture, or online auction listings, this guide gives you the expert-level tools needed to spot misleading photos and avoid scams with confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access