Breast cancer frauds are all about money and attention. A cancer faker may be male or female, but they may still claim to have a life-threatening, debilitating breast tumor. And since we all know how expensive cancer is and that some people are still not insured, we often give money, goods, or services in response to tearful (or even bravely cheerful) request for financial assistance. The problem is, a claim to have cancer can be asserted but won't often be challenged or checked up on. Only after a cancer scam artist has taken off with our generous contributions do we find out what really happened.
I have a hard time with people that willingly perpetrate this kind of fraud. There's only so much money in the world, and to see it be siphoned away to physically healthy people with twisted consciences - instead of going to actual cancer patients - makes me sad and sick. The cancer frauds who tell their sad tales, mimic the ravages of chemo, and accept money to spend on their own satisfactions really do need help - but not the kind of help they are getting. While women struggle to raise a family and meet the bills even as they are enduring cancer treatments need extra help, the cancer fakers need to see a good psychiatrist. Or the inside of the local hoosegow - which I am told is a fine place to meditate on one's past deeds.
What happens to the cancer frauds? Some get jail time, others must do community service. A few get slapped on the wrist and promise not to take money under false pretenses again. Yet other scammers are still on the run, repeating their sad tales and putting up brave facades - with one hand out for the cash.
I've been thinking about it, and here are some ways to avoid a cancer fraud, and ways to deal with one, if you spot one. We need to avoid cancer con artists because our donations should always go to the genuine patients.
Be Wary of Cancer Scams, Think Before You Give
