Scam emails regarding organ trafficking

We are aware that a number of people have received emails offering large sums of money in exchange for becoming a living organ donor in the UK.

Issue date: 8 April 2011

This correspondence refers to the ‘Organ Donor Program’ and states this ‘programme’ has the support of the Human Tissue Authority and British Government. We would like people to be aware that this is categorically false and no such programme exists. The correspondence is usually sent from ‘Dr Dianah Brimm’, ‘Dr Hilton-Smith’ or ‘Dr Shirley Lukes’. We strongly advise that people do not engage in dialogue with any of these individuals.

Under the Human Tissue Act 2004 and the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 it is an offence to give or receive a reward for the supply of, or for an offer to supply, any organ or part organ. It is also an offence to seek to find a person willing to supply any organ or part organ for reward.  As such, any offer of a reward (including money) in exchange for an organ, is an offence in the UK. If found guilty of this offence a person may face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.