'I needed attention': Egyptian influencer Donia Fouad who raised over ₹70 lakh claiming she has cancer surrenders to the police

With the arrival of social media, where a stranger from one corner of the world can be connected to another somewhere else, distance is a myth. From a phone call to a video call, people do it all with random strangers on the internet they connect with.

While this had led to numerous stories of philanthropy and lifesaving missions, it has inspired an equal or greater number of scams and frauds. Recently, a new and shocking one has come to light. Egyptian influencer Donia Fouad, allegedly surrendered to the police after raising millions in donations for a cancer she never actually had.

The content creator scammed her followers by claiming that she was undergoing cancer treatment and used the emotional story to raise millions that she spent on sustaining her luxurious life. Fouad reportedly bought a car, an apartment and many other luxury goods.

As per a report in Egypt Independent, she gained widespread support after documenting what she described as a painful fight against cancer. Thus, she raised approximately 4 million Egyptian pounds (₹71 lakh), by claiming that she was undergoing treatment.

However, suspicions arose about her story after followers began circulating photos and videos showing Fouad with expensive belongings and living a lavish lifestyle. The pictures prompted questions on how the donated money was being used and spent.

Medical reports sparked doubts

Journalist Nada Al-Jabali, who said she was initially among Fouad's supporters later claimed that the medical reports from the World Medical Center did not show any evidence that Fouad had undergone chemotherapy, radiation or treatment for malignant tumours.

According to a report in almasryalyoum.com, Al-Jabali alleged that Fouad later admitted that the claims were false and asked the journalist not to expose the matter. She also claimed to have a recording to support her account.

Moreover, reports cited in local media revealed that Fouad's videos from the hospital, and her medical issues were limited to non-cancerous gynaecological conditions, including the removal of uterine fibroids.

Later, Fouda surrendered to the police following an investigation and also publicly confessed to her cancer scam.

Donia Fouad confesses in a Facebook post

Taking to Facebook, Fouad confessed to her scam, pleading her mental illness as a defence. The Egyptian woman claimed that her need for attention inspired the act and added that she would be seeking psychiatric help. “I am mentally ill and need treatment. Please help me. I did this because I needed attention, and I admit I was wrong and deserve what’s happening to me,” she wrote.

“I loved everyone’s concern for me while I was pretending to be ill. My husband’s looks and his concern, and everyone asking about me, were a huge source of psychological support,” the Egyptian influencer continued.

“I rejected the idea that I was mentally ill and didn’t listen to people when they advised me to seek psychological treatment. Now I want to tell them, ‘You were right. I will begin my journey of psychological treatment,'” she said.