Magda Szubanski has issued a warning to fans following the rise of fake social media posts with medical fundraisers attempting to exploit her ongoing cancer battle.
The beloved Kath & Kim star took to social media to shut down the widely shared post with the image of a woman pretending to be the actress in a hospital bed asking for financial support.
“Ok. Dear peeps. This lovely lady- whoever she is – is not me,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I hope she’s doing well. But please don’t think it’s me and DEFINITELY DO NOT DONATE MONEY TO ANY MEDICAL FUNDRAISER THAT PURPORTS TO BE ME!! If you want the real me you can always find me here. Otherwise – it’s a scam.
“Love to you all.”
Fans and fellow celebrities took to the comments to condemn the action of the scammers and share their support for the star.
“Bloody lowlifes. Sending you so much love,” wrote former MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin.
“There’s only 1 bloody you. Sending love doll. Not cash but. Love ya xxx,” another added.
One fan tried to add some humour into the situation, saying: “Plot twist: Kim set this scam up to pay off her video shop fines.”
A few fans commented on the use of AI for the image, while others thought that it was a genuine photo.
Szubanski revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage four Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer, in May last year.
She has since been undergoing intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy in Melbourne and sharing candid updates about her treatment on social media.
The Kath & Kim star confirmed that any legitimate updates will only be shared through her official social media platforms and for the general public to report any suspected scams to ScamWatch.
Image: Instagram
