He was made the scapegoat for the company's financial losses.
victim
Frequency:
75
%
He was just a victim of circumstances in the fraud case.
fall guy
Frequency:
70
%
He was set up as the fall guy in the robbery scheme.
dupe
Frequency:
60
%
She realized she had been used as a dupe in the political scandal.
Idiomatic Expressions for patsy
Phrase: Set up as a patsy
Meaning: To be made to appear guilty or responsible for something, often as part of a scheme or plan
Usage: He was set up as a patsy by his so-called friends.