An Australian mother of four has been charged with fraud after sharing a video on social media, pleading for donations while falsely claiming to have cancer.
Authorities say Tara Enoka, 35, deceived people into donating approximately $37,000 under the pretense of battling a life-threatening illness.
The Western Australia Police Force has charged Enoka, alleging she was the beneficiary of a GoFundMe fundraiser that misled donors.
The fundraiser, supposedly set up to support a woman diagnosed with a rare medical condition, was organized by another man.
According to the police, the man never knew Enoka was lying.
In the video, Enoka tearfully explains, "I've never been the type of person that’s ever asked anyone for help. And in the past couple of weeks, I’ve learned that it’s OK to ask for help."
She goes on to say she was diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer, claiming the funds raised would be used for potentially life-saving treatments.
Throughout the video, Enoka talks about her four children, showing photos and emotionally breaking down as she expresses her desire to survive for them.
She implores viewers to spread the hashtag #StandWithTara and is joined by a man who hugs her at the end of the video.
On another YouTube channel, Enoka describes herself as an aspiring boxer and full-time community care worker from Western Australia, emphasizing her role as a mother of four.
The Western Australia Police Force spokesperson reveals that Enoka received donations from over 500 people across 16 countries between March and September 2021.
During this period, she allegedly transferred around $36,000 into her personal bank account.
Currently, it is unclear whether Enoka has entered a plea in response to the fraud charges.
She is scheduled to appear in court again in August.
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