KUALA LUMPUR 13 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – A married couple in Malaysia has become the target of online abuse after their social media profile picture was allegedly stolen and used by scammers, leading victims to mistakenly accuse them of fraud.
The incident began when scammers reportedly took a man’s Facebook profile image and used it in a scheme believed to be linked to food-related transactions. Victims who fell prey to the scam later circulated the image online, wrongly identifying the couple as being responsible and directing abusive messages at them.
The man, who works as a sales manager in the private sector, said he only became aware of the situation after being alerted by a friend earlier this month. Shocked by the accusations, he explained that his social media account is set to private, suggesting that only his display photo could have been accessed and misused by unknown parties.
As the accusations spread, the couple found themselves subjected to harsh criticism and harassment on various online platforms. Strangers began sharing their image widely, with some accusing them of orchestrating the scam despite having no involvement in any fraudulent activity.
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The couple has since lodged police reports, seeking to clear their names and stop the ongoing harassment. They also urged the public to verify information before making accusations, warning of the dangers of misinformation and online vigilantism.
The case highlights a growing trend of scammers exploiting publicly visible profile images to create fake identities, a tactic that can result in innocent individuals being wrongly implicated. Experts note that such impersonation schemes are becoming more common with the widespread use of social media.
Authorities continue to advise users to remain cautious online, including limiting publicly accessible information and verifying suspicious claims before sharing them. The couple hopes their experience will raise awareness about the risks of identity misuse and prevent similar incidents from affecting others. -The Capital Post