Fake screenshots are everywhere these days, and with easy-to-use image editors, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real. Since spotting a fake screenshot is difficult, scams are becoming more common. So, how do you protect yourself? Here’s a breakdown of things to look for.
Method 1: Image Forensic Analysis Tools
These tools are super powerful. Think of them as digital microscopes for your images.
There are lots of forensic tools you can use to determine whether a screenshot has been photoshopped, such as Forensically. This tool analyzes images in detail and provides heatmaps showing where edits have been made.
- Head to the Forensically website. You’ll see a sample image of a UFO. Move your cursor over the UFO. Notice how the pixels look different?
- Click on ‘Error Level Analysis’ on the right.
- The UFO and its shadow will pop out in different colors. That’s because it’s been added! Fake stuff always shows up differently.
- You can also use ‘Clone Detection’ by selecting it from the right. This will show you areas with identical pixels in the image.
- Try ‘Level Sweep’ and ‘Principal Component Analysis’ to hunt for edited sections and tiny details. You can also explore the other options. ‘Thumbnail Analysis’ might even pull out the original, unedited thumbnail.
Method 2: Examine the Metadata
Metadata is like a digital fingerprint. It tells you when the image was taken, what device was used, and sometimes even the location. Editing a screenshot usually wipes this info.
- On Windows, right-click the image and select ‘Properties’.
- In the Properties dialog, click the ‘Details’ tab.
Note: Messaging apps remove metadata, so a screenshot from one of these apps may always appear edited. However, the device name being present in the metadata is always a reassuring sign that the screenshot has not been photoshopped.
Method 3: Perform a Reverse Image Search
A quick reverse image search can often expose a fake screenshot if the person who edited it grabbed the original image from the web.
Use Google Images or TinEye. Just upload the screenshot, and if the original is online, you should find it.
Method 4: Check for Pixel Inconsistencies
Edits often involve copying and pasting, which can lead to pixel differences.
Zoom in on dates and amounts. Are the pixels blurry or inconsistent compared to the rest of the image? Look for subtle changes in shadows or odd color gradations. Genuine screenshots have consistent resolution.
Method 5: Inconsistency in Spacing and Fonts
Fonts are tricky. Someone faking a screenshot might not be able to match the original font perfectly.
Phone apps rarely use common fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, so if you see those, be suspicious. Also, watch for inconsistencies in spacing and lettering. It’s a telltale sign of a fake.
Method 6: Presence of Weird Out-of-Place Elements
App designs evolve. A photoshopped screenshot might mix elements from old and new versions of an app. If you use the app regularly, these inconsistencies will be easier to spot.
Method 7: Avoid blindly trusting desktop screenshots
Desktop browsers let you edit webpage code directly using “Inspect Element.” Right-click on a webpage, and click ‘Inspect’ in the menu.
This shows the Javascript, CSS, and HTML. Anyone with basic coding skills can change the text and other elements, take a screenshot, and share it.
If someone shares a desktop screenshot, visit the website yourself to compare. Or, ask them to refresh the page on video (though even that can be faked). It’s easier to spot edits on smartphone screenshots, but also easier to fake them to begin with.
Additional Tips
- There are also image forensic analysis tools for smartphones, such as Mirage, which can help you check screenshots on your phone.
- Advanced users can check the JPG compression quality level, which can detect subtle changes.
- Watch for blurry or pixelated borders around edited elements.
- Incorrect orientation, warped elements, unrealistic reflections, inconsistent lighting, and repeated patterns can also be signs of editing.