Review the project description
Look for a clear account of design, photography, editing or development responsibilities. A template-based mock-up can be legitimate if presented accurately, while claiming authorship of another person's photograph is a different issue.
Use a proportionate check
- Search a distinctive sample image.
- Open credible matching project pages.
- Compare credits and project dates.
- Ask the freelancer to explain their contribution.
A website designer may display a client site containing licensed stock photography. Finding the stock image does not invalidate the design work. The relevant question is what the portfolio claims the person created.
Make the hiring decision from relevant evidence
Request an appropriate work sample or project walkthrough rather than building a personal dossier. Preserve uncertainty when credits are incomplete. Source checking can clarify a portfolio claim, but it should not become an unsupported accusation based on visual overlap alone.
Continue with checking source context.