Would You Fake Cancer for Cash?

Bizarre, Crime, Money, NakedLaw

The temptation of quick money seems to be enough to get people to scam their communities, friends, and family. The trend of cancer-faking has many wondering how far these desperate people are willing to go for attention and cash.

Faking Breast Cancer to Get Implants

A 27-year-old Phoenix woman has been sentenced to a year in jail and three years of probation for theft. Jami Lynn Toler organized fundraisers and collected over $8,000 — which she used to pay a plastic surgeon for breast implants — telling others that she needed a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction but was uninsured.

Fake a Brain Tumor, Get Punched in the Face

Toler isn’t the first to fake cancer to make a few bucks. A Calgary man plead guilty to fraud after raising nearly $7,500 in a silent auction last July, claiming he had a brain tumor and was undergoing treatment while friends paid his rent and dropped him off at the hospital. Kristopher Nicholas Cook is bound to have some real-life medical bills after his broken nose from a jailhouse assault and upcoming court-ordered psychiatric and psychological testing.

Fake Cancer Bride

Jessica Vega faked cancer to keep her boyfriend from leaving, then scored an engagement out of the fake illness. Yet she somehow still has her man again, even after he divorced her upon discovering her lies. After word of Vega’s supposed illness spread, store owners donated a wedding dress and jewelry, and Vega even scored a free honeymoon in Aruba. She was sentenced to 50 days in jail and paid back $13,000 in restitution to donors.

Holding Family Emotionally Hostage

Dateline NBC featured the story of Jennifer Dibble — a woman who faked cancer, a heart attack, and dialysis treatments while going to the gym, the movies, and the tanning salon on relatives’, strangers’, and friends’ dimes. During Jennifer’s 18-month fake-caner stint (which she pulled to keep her husband from divorcing her), her friends took her on expensive vacations and doted on her until Jennifer ultimately couldn’t produce medical records when asked. The most bizarre thing about the case? Her husband claimed to have no clue his wife was lying while she stole at least a quarter of a million dollars.

When Cancer Smells Fishy

If you suspect someone is asking for donations for a condition that doesn’t exist, you can call the police and ask to speak with a fraud detective. It’s good to have proof, such as photos of donation requests or any other proof that a specific person is committing fraud.