Recently a colleague received a letter of demand from Dun and Brad street, advising that an e-newsletter published in 2014 used an unauthorized (unpaid for) image from the Getty library.

The long saga came to an end after the payment (extortion) of $250.00 was made down from $1000 for what could have been a $4 online purchase.

The Lessons - If you create Facebook posts, websites and newsletters, be very careful where you or your staff source photos. In many instances the cost to obtain an image is only $1, less if on a free library.

Today many businesses subcontract to outside organizations or junior staff social/media activities. If you're in this boat ensure your staff/contractors are aware of the consequences of using "unauthorized" photos.