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I wouldn't call it laziness. It is often being frugal. You would be surprised at the number of large companies that use stock photos as well. I think you would also be surprised at the amount of stock photography that you have not idea is stock photography, because the designer either manipulated the image or the chose a good photo for the purpose of the page.

I think we are limiting ourselves here in how stock photography can be used.

You didn't say scam, but my original comment was in response to someone who did.

I agree that it's lazy and makes a bad impression for hackers, though I doubt 99% of normal people would notice or care.

Most people won't notice. The ones who do notice will probably find some other excuse.