Scams » Scam And Its Types » Adoption Scams

Adoption Scams

Being the victim of an adoption scam may be extremely taxing and upsetting in many ways, therefore when considering adoption, you should always be patient and do your research every step of the process. It is essential to be vigilant and aware since these adoption scams may occur at any moment, on any platform, and even when experts are engaged. Additionally, not all fraudulent adoptions are motivated by financial gain, therefore it's critical to be aware of any unlawful adoption-related activities to avoid falling victim to fraud. We'll look at how it works and how to prevent them now.

Adoption scams involve fraudulent activities that exploit the emotions and desires of individuals engaged in the adoption process. These scams can have devastating emotional and financial consequences for all parties involved. Common types of adoption scams include false birth parents who deceive prospective adoptive parents and disappear after collecting fees. Additionally, some scammers pose as adoption agencies or facilitators, charging exorbitant fees for non-existent services. They may also provide incomplete or false information about the child's background. In some cases, agencies or facilitators abruptly close, leaving adoptive parents without the services they paid for. These scams can involve illegal practices like human trafficking or coercion. To protect against adoption scams, it's crucial to work with reputable, licensed professionals, verify credentials, seek legal advice, get agreements in writing, and be vigilant for any red flags. Reporting suspected scams to authorities is essential to prevent further harm.

Red flags

If you are planning to adopt a child, pay attention to these warning signs before you dream about your expectations confirm and shell out any money.

Expectant birth mother:

Showing no proof of pregnancy

Not responding to emails and calls

No proper contact information

Refusing to meet with an adoption facilitator

Adoption agency:

Demands you to sign a document that you haven't read fully and understood.

Making emotional connection like referring the child as completely yours before the process is officially finalized.

Making unsolicited contact to sign you up as a potential adoptive parent

Refusing to meet with an adoption facilitator

Give them a heads-up if you or someone you know is considering adoption. Never hesitate to conduct more research on the person or organizations you are dealing with if you have any reason to be suspicious or run into any of the aforementioned circumstances.

Most common adoption scam cases:

With the hopes of personal and financial gain, scammers target innocent adoptive parents through the following ways and it includes:

An adoption agency charging too much fees or accepting money for services that were never rendered.

A perpetrated expectant giving hopes to more than one family while accepting cash and other necessary things from the families with or without the intention to complete the process.

An adoption intermediator providing little or no information about any critical background information or about a child's physical, emotional, or development problems and history.

An expectant, or supposedly expectant woman who masquerades as prospective birth mother, while collecting money from the prospective adoptive parents for living expenses, and other costs with no ability to complete the adoption process.

How to avoid internet adoption scams?

Get proof of pregnancy

Make face-to-face contact

Always use the services of a trusted professional agency when it comes to adoption. Go for professional private attorney to assist you with the process, but before you choose to seek the help of an adoption facilitator or agency or private attorney, don't forget to perform an all-inclusive research about the agency/organization and attorney itself.

How to avoid internet adoption scams?

Being a target of adoption scam can take an emotional and financial toll, if you are a victim then don't let it go, report the potential violation to the FBI, state attorney general office or your local police department.

Adoption scams are fraudulent activities in which individuals or organizations deceive prospective adoptive parents, birth parents, or adoption agencies for financial gain or other personal motives. These scams can have devastating emotional, financial, and legal consequences for all parties involved. Here's an overview of adoption scams: Types of Adoption Scams:

1. Financial Scams: In these scams, fraudsters may pose as birth parents, adoption professionals, or attorneys and request money for various adoption-related expenses, such as medical bills, legal fees, or travel costs. They may promise to place the child for adoption but disappear after receiving the funds.

2. False Pregnancy Scams: Scammers pretend to be pregnant and consider adoption for their unborn child. They may create a convincing backstory, forge medical records, or even go as far as to fake a pregnancy belly. Once prospective adoptive parents invest emotionally and financially, the scammer vanishes.

3. Identity Theft: Some scammers steal the identities of legitimate birth parents or adoption professionals to create fake profiles and engage in fraudulent adoption transactions.

4. Bait-and-Switch: In this scam, individuals or agencies promise to facilitate a legitimate adoption but switch the child or birth parents without the knowledge or consent of the adoptive parents.

5. Unauthorized Intermediaries: Unscrupulous intermediaries, often unlicensed or unauthorized, may act as adoption facilitators without the necessary legal or ethical standards. They may misrepresent their qualifications, inflate fees, or engage in other fraudulent activities.