Woman says companies falsely advertised her pictures for diet supplements

About a month ago Ross learned her pictures were posted on a questionable diet supplement website, complete with a phony name and endorsement attributed to her.

“It was really disturbing to see my image being used in that way. I feel exploited," she said.

But that was just the tip of the online iceberg. She searched her image and discovered more than 70 websites stole her pictures without her knowledge to plug their weight loss products.

“Everything from apple cider vinegar, to mushrooms to colonics. Anything you can think,” Ross said.

Some of the websites were international and included quotes attributed to her in foreign languages. She’s even been given different names.

"They just come up with all this false information and I think they’re giving people hope that their product is going to make them look like I did. I’m just mad now. And upset!”

Photo theft and other forms of copyright infringement are rampant on the Internet. But there are ways to protect yourself.

“It’s a type of invasion of privacy in Georgia,” attorney Kelly Wallace said.

Wallace has sued on behalf of people who had their images stolen and used on the web. But she says it isn’t easy.

“Can you find these people? Do they have resources? Are they going to run and hide or are they going to do the right thing and pay the person for use of the image or stop using it as necessary,” Wallace said.

“They do colonics and they have my photos of how I use them to feel better,” Ross said.

Ross has hired a lawyer and contacted web hosting firms to try to force the removal of her photos, for which she hasn’t earned a penny.

Ross says she’s never even used a weight loss supplement in her life.

“They should not just be able to steal and use them for profit,” Ross said.