On TikTok, a young American pretended to have very serious cancer. After having launched a kitty to finance his care and collected a small fortune, several Internet users discovered his lie. Searched by the police, she faces 10 years in prison
Since their creation, social networks have been denounced for the serious abuses they can cause. Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat, no one escapes it! TikTok is also incriminated when it and other services are accused of harming mental health. The story of the day is not likely to improve the image of the Chinese platform. But also social networks more generally.
As The Independent reports, a 19-year-old American woman is suspected of amassing a fortune by claiming the cost of caring for fake cancer. She faces 10 years in prison.
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$37,000 raised to finance his care
It’s an incredible story that begins on TikTok. A 19-year-old American explains, in a video, that she has type 2 pancreatic cancer, a huge tumor and leukemia. His chances of survival? A little over 10% according to doctors. We are in the United States and the country has no equivalent to social security, the young woman then launches an online kitty to pay ” the cost of care, gasoline, meals and other expenses “.
As always with the Internet, mobilization is taking place with 37,000 dollars, or approximately 33,000 euros, collected via a kitty. 430 people participated in this fundraiser to give the American a chance to live.
What is the young woman risking for this scam?
Except that the American forgot that in addition to being capable of strong mobilization, some Internet users have a keen eye. Several people then raised the inconsistencies in the story of the young woman. Following this online survey, health professionals even warned the competent authorities. Enough to search the apartment of the ” sick “.
Conclusion of the investigation? The young woman does not appear in hospital records where she says she is being treated. The police also found an infusion stand and medical equipment. Without forgetting a fake wig to perfect his identity as a person affected by a serious illness.
Arrested on January 23 and then released on bail, the alleged forger is due to appear on March 2. She faces 10 years in prison.
