Taking photos of random people and searching for them on fb

[Wendiy]

i’ve seen a few of these on local sites. People take a photo of random people, often parents and kids from behind but not always and post on fb looking for them presumably to share the photo. Just feels a bit weird as often the photos aren’t that great and sometimes it is literally posting someone else’s child on fb. Has anyone been the ‘subject’ of one of these? Were you pleased to be found?

I’ve never seen this! Is it for amusement to “find” the person? Or why?
I’d be furious if someone did this to me/ my child.

Never heard of this but it sounds extremely dodgy to me. Especially posting childrens photos.

Im another one who has never heard of this. Why would they want to share a photo of the back of someone? Do they usually ask if anyone knows who it is?

Do you mean when people say ‘I captured this and would love to find them’?

If that is what you mean I have seen this a few times recently on Facebook. One couple walking their dog and someone took a photo and said something along the lines of ‘saw this couple having a nice walk thought they might like this photo to frame’
apart from being creepy as hell - why are people taking random photos of others and posting them online for hundreds some times thousands of people to share!
The couple could have moved and don’t want others knowing what area they are in or they could be having a secret relationship etc.
I would be furious if someone did this to me especially if my child was in it as we have moved to get away from a violent ex.

Often it’s a view from behind at say a concert or fireworks. They are saying ‘I’ve captured this lovely candid photo of you’

Yes @Mcdon has it - that’s exactly what I mean

Weird. Never heard about it. Would never engage with it.

My colleague had this - someone had spotted him proposing somewhere beautiful and he was delighted to have the picture. I’ve also seen it on climbing/surfing Facebook pages where - fair play - I’d like a photo of me doing something epic. Definitely wouldn’t appreciate a random person taking photos of me building sandcastles with the kids or sharing a bag of chips with my secret bit on the side.

This. Its creepy, intrusive and potentially very dangerous if people have moved away from violent ex's or family etc.
Its like when someone posts on Facebook "does anyone know Joe Bloggs. He lived on West Street as a kid and we lost contact when he moved away..." And everyone's so helpful to identify him. Its such a handy way for abusers to find their victims again when people are falling over themselves on Facebook to reunite "old friends" or a "long lost family member" or whatever. Lovely intentions from most people I'm sure but it can put people in really dangerous situations.