Star Media Group warns readers of fake social media ad misusing its identity

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Star Media Group has warned social media users and readers of a fake Instagram and Facebook ad misusing The Star's brand identity.

"The group clarifies that this Instagram and Facebook ad or fake site is not linked with The Star’s official social media platforms or web presence," said Star Media Group in a statement posted on The Star.

The scam, according to Star Media Group, promotes a fraudulent get-rich-quick investment scheme and makes false claims regarding Malaysian lawyer Siti Kasim.

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The fake ad was made out to look similar to a news report by The Star, in which it claimed that the police had raided Siti Kasim's home.

The media group has also advised readers against interacting with fake posts on Instagram or any suspicious advertisements, and to not join the programs they promote.

In its statement, Star Media Group emphasised that it is one of Malaysia's most trusted news sources and that it only publishes on its official website thestar.com.my.

Star Media Group then encouraged readers to report fake ads that they see if they encounter a fake post or page impersonating The Star or any other brands on social media.

Star Media Group is not the only big entity to be impersonated online. Earlier in July this year, Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan reportedly requested that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) take down six fake TikTok accounts impersonating the Raja Muda of Selangor, Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

The TikTok accounts, which went viral, according to Malay Mail, used the profile picture and name of the Raja Muda of Selangor.

Speaking to reporters at the time, Hussein reportedly said that the police will continue to investigate to identify the parties involved in creating the fake accounts.

In a separate statement, the police chief advised the public not to simply create social media accounts involving the royal institution and to prevent irresponsible individuals from misusing the personal images and videos of royal family members, according to Free Malaysia Today.

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