Blood donation scam targets desperate patients in Kerala's Kozhikode

A coordinated fraud operation is targeting vulnerable patients and their families seeking emergency blood supplies in Kozhikode, Kerala. Scammers contact individuals who have posted urgent appeals for blood donors, claiming to be available for immediate donation. After establishing apparent credibility, the fraudsters request advance payments ostensibly for travel expenses, accommodation, and other logistical costs related to the donation process.

Once funds are transferred through online payment channels, the perpetrators cease all communication and fail to appear for the scheduled blood donation. Patients and their families report losing substantial sums in the process, compounding their distress during medical emergencies. The scheme specifically preys on the time-sensitive nature of blood requirements, where families are often willing to pay any cost to secure lifesaving transfusions.

The fraud has prompted donor organizations and healthcare facilities in the district to issue public alerts about the scam. Authorities are urging residents seeking blood donations to verify donor credentials through official blood banks and established donation networks rather than engaging with unsolicited offers on social media or messaging platforms. Complaints have been lodged with local law enforcement agencies as investigations into the fraudulent network continue.