Memorable Facebook Name Isn't Real After All

As the Sydney Morning Herald puts it, Phuc Dat Bich "faked dat" name. The 23-year-old Australian who convinced the world that his awkward-sounding name had resulted in Facebook shutting down his account now says the whole thing was a hoax. He apparently spilled the beans after SBS News contacted him with doubts about his story, noting that a passport photo he provided was Photoshopped and the name "Bich" isn't a common Vietnamese surname. "What started as a joke between friends became a prank that made a fool out of the media," he wrote on Facebook Wednesday, identifying himself as Joe Carr—or possibly "joker," per the BBC. He tells the Herald his name is actually Tin Le, while Mashable identifies him by way of a supposed former classmate as Thien Nguyen.

The Herald notes he asked to be called "Mr. T" for fear that he would lose his job. He says the ruse began "with me fooling Facebook, it then somehow shared across the pages." The "ordeal" taught him "not to trust the credibility of the media," the prankster adds. "It goes to show that an average joe like myself can con the biggest news sources with ease." He also thanks the people who stood by him, even though it was all for naught. "To those who do have culturally specific and spectacular names, ignore the ignorance in those who may try to put you down," he says. "Continue being the best person you can be and make your mark on the world in whatever way you can—even if it is a simple prank." (Click for a list of major Internet hoaxes, complete with pictures.)