Donors flag online fraud targeting patients in need of blood in Keralam’s Kozhikode

Donors in Kozhikode district of Kerala have raised alarms about fraudulent schemes targeting blood donors, according to reports. Scammers are reportedly contacting individuals seeking blood donations, offering to donate themselves, and then demanding payment for related expenses. Once the money is received, the fraudsters are said to vanish without providing the blood.

This exploitation of online blood donation networks has prompted a group of prominent donors to seek police intervention. The fraudsters are also believed to be using the contact details of voluntary organizations to gain the trust of those in need. A volunteer from Mukkam-based 'Ente Mukkam' Volunteer Force revealed a recent case where a blood group was arranged for a cancer patient, only for scammers posing as NIT students to later demand money for additional expenses.

They claim to have traced a suspicious phone number linked to these incidents. However, many victims have not yet come forward to report their losses. Police sources confirmed this is the first such occurrence in Kozhikode district, and investigations will proceed once victims submit written complaints with details of their financial transactions.

The issue has sparked concern among local voluntary blood donation networks, many of which suspect local fraudsters may be involved. In response, donors and volunteers are urging the public to verify the authenticity of potential donors through recognized organizations and to avoid making advance payments to unknown individuals claiming to be blood donors.