Woman behind fake cancer scam faces justice after deceiving dozens
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Someone fabricated a battle with cancer to exploit the kindness of others, deceiving friends, colleagues, and even genuine sufferers.
After years of manipulation and betrayal, the truth has finally caught up, and justice has been delivered.
This case not only highlights the devastating impact of such scams but also raises important questions about trust and accountability in our communities.
Amanda Power’s story began in 2012, when she started volunteering with Cancer Council Queensland.
What should have been a noble act of service quickly turned sinister.
Power began telling those around her that she had been diagnosed with cancer, using this fabricated illness to elicit sympathy, support, and—most notably—money.
Over the years, Power convinced 78 people, including friends, colleagues, and even other cancer patients, to open their hearts and wallets.
She claimed she needed help with everything from medical bills to travel, meals, accommodation, and transport.
Some of her victims were themselves battling cancer, making her actions all the more callous.
Her lies didn’t just win her financial support. Power’s fabricated story helped her secure a paid position at Cancer Council Queensland, and she was even named the first Australian Global Hero of Hope Ambassador for Relay for Life, a title that earned her a trip to the United States.
The emotional toll of Power’s deception cannot be overstated. During her sentencing at Townsville Magistrate’s Court, the stories of her victims painted a picture of deep betrayal and lasting harm.
One particularly harrowing account came from a 54-year-old woman who was herself fighting a second cancer diagnosis.
She recalled a moment when she confided in Power about losing her hair due to chemotherapy, only to be met with a cold, dismissive response: ‘It’s not my fault, I’ve only ever had the good chemo and not lost my hair.’
Victims described how Power ingratiated herself into their lives, offering support and friendship, only to exploit their compassion for her own gain.
In some cases, she even told people her cancer was terminal and asked them to serve as pallbearers at her ‘imminent’ funeral.
As one victim put it, Power ‘exploited the compassion that cancer inspires and in doing so inflicted long-lasting harm on a community that relies on truth to build empathy, raise awareness and foster genuine human connection.’
The court heard that Power defrauded her victims of nearly $24,000, including almost $1,900 from her former employer, Cancer Council Queensland.
The prosecution made it clear: Power knew she was not ill, yet continued her deception for years.
Her defence lawyer presented psychological reports suggesting Power suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder, Conversion Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.
While the court acknowledged her mental health struggles and the public disgrace she had already endured, Magistrate Steven Mosch was unequivocal in his condemnation, describing her actions as ‘reprehensible and cruel conduct involving a web of lies that evolved over quite a number of years.’
Power pleaded guilty to all 79 charges of fraud. She was sentenced to two and a half years, with the first six months to be served in prison and the remainder as a suspended sentence over three years. She was also ordered to repay the money to her victims.
Understandably, many people were concerned about the impact of Power’s actions on Cancer Council Queensland. Matt Gardiner, the organisation’s CEO, was quick to reassure the public that no donations made to the charity were involved in the scam.
‘Five years ago, when concerns were first raised about the personal crowdfunding page of a former employee, we immediately cooperated with the Queensland Police on the matter,’ he said.
‘We are extremely grateful to those who came forward at that time, and we always encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact us directly.’
Stories like this are particularly distressing because they undermine the trust and goodwill that are so vital in our communities—especially when it comes to supporting those facing serious illness.
When someone fakes a cancer diagnosis, it doesn’t just hurt the people they scam; it can also make others more suspicious and less likely to help those who genuinely need it.
Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by a scam like this? How do you think we can balance compassion with caution? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below.
Read more: This grandmother thought it was just another birthday, but she's about to face massive change
After years of manipulation and betrayal, the truth has finally caught up, and justice has been delivered.
This case not only highlights the devastating impact of such scams but also raises important questions about trust and accountability in our communities.
Amanda Power’s story began in 2012, when she started volunteering with Cancer Council Queensland.
What should have been a noble act of service quickly turned sinister.
Power began telling those around her that she had been diagnosed with cancer, using this fabricated illness to elicit sympathy, support, and—most notably—money.
A woman has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after faking a cancer diagnosis to swindle 78 people out of nearly $24,000. Credit: Facebook
Over the years, Power convinced 78 people, including friends, colleagues, and even other cancer patients, to open their hearts and wallets.
She claimed she needed help with everything from medical bills to travel, meals, accommodation, and transport.
Some of her victims were themselves battling cancer, making her actions all the more callous.
Her lies didn’t just win her financial support. Power’s fabricated story helped her secure a paid position at Cancer Council Queensland, and she was even named the first Australian Global Hero of Hope Ambassador for Relay for Life, a title that earned her a trip to the United States.
The emotional toll of Power’s deception cannot be overstated. During her sentencing at Townsville Magistrate’s Court, the stories of her victims painted a picture of deep betrayal and lasting harm.
One particularly harrowing account came from a 54-year-old woman who was herself fighting a second cancer diagnosis.
She recalled a moment when she confided in Power about losing her hair due to chemotherapy, only to be met with a cold, dismissive response: ‘It’s not my fault, I’ve only ever had the good chemo and not lost my hair.’
Victims described how Power ingratiated herself into their lives, offering support and friendship, only to exploit their compassion for her own gain.
As one victim put it, Power ‘exploited the compassion that cancer inspires and in doing so inflicted long-lasting harm on a community that relies on truth to build empathy, raise awareness and foster genuine human connection.’
The court heard that Power defrauded her victims of nearly $24,000, including almost $1,900 from her former employer, Cancer Council Queensland.
The prosecution made it clear: Power knew she was not ill, yet continued her deception for years.
Her defence lawyer presented psychological reports suggesting Power suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder, Conversion Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.
While the court acknowledged her mental health struggles and the public disgrace she had already endured, Magistrate Steven Mosch was unequivocal in his condemnation, describing her actions as ‘reprehensible and cruel conduct involving a web of lies that evolved over quite a number of years.’
Understandably, many people were concerned about the impact of Power’s actions on Cancer Council Queensland. Matt Gardiner, the organisation’s CEO, was quick to reassure the public that no donations made to the charity were involved in the scam.
‘Five years ago, when concerns were first raised about the personal crowdfunding page of a former employee, we immediately cooperated with the Queensland Police on the matter,’ he said.
‘We are extremely grateful to those who came forward at that time, and we always encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact us directly.’
Stories like this are particularly distressing because they undermine the trust and goodwill that are so vital in our communities—especially when it comes to supporting those facing serious illness.
When someone fakes a cancer diagnosis, it doesn’t just hurt the people they scam; it can also make others more suspicious and less likely to help those who genuinely need it.
Read more: This grandmother thought it was just another birthday, but she's about to face massive change
