Scams » Scam And Its Types » Adoption Scams

Adoption Scams

Being the victim of an adoption scam can be extremely stressful and emotionally draining. That’s why it’s important to be patient and conduct thorough research at every stage of the adoption process. Vigilance is crucial, as adoption scams can happen at any time, on any platform—even when professionals are involved. Additionally, not all fraudulent adoptions are financially motivated, so it’s important to be aware of any illegal adoption-related activities to avoid falling victim. In this guide, we'll explore how these scams work and how you can protect yourself.

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 close attention to these warning signs before getting your hopes up or spending any money.

Expectant birth mother:

No proof of pregnancy is provided

Fails to respond to emails or phone calls

Lacks proper contact information

Refuses to meet with an adoption facilitator

Adoption agency:

Pressures you to sign documents you haven’t fully read or understood

Creates an emotional connection by referring to the child as “yours” before the adoption process is officially finalized

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

Refuses to meet with an adoption facilitator

Give a heads-up to anyone you know who is considering adoption. If you encounter any suspicious behavior or any of the warning signs mentioned above, never hesitate to research the individuals or organizations involved. Staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting yourself and others from potential adoption scams.

Most common adoption scam cases:

With hopes of personal and financial gain, scammers target innocent adoptive parents through various deceptive methods, including:

Adoption agencies charging excessive fees or accepting payments for services that are never provided.
Fraudulent expectant mothers giving false hope to multiple families while accepting money, gifts, or other support—often with no intention of completing the adoption process.
Adoption intermediaries who provide little or no critical background information, including details about the child's physical, emotional, or developmental issues and history.
Imposters posing as expectant mothers who collect money from prospective adoptive parents for living expenses and other costs, despite having no intention or ability to follow through with an adoption.

How to avoid internet adoption scams?

Get proof of pregnancy

Make face-to-face contact whenever possible

Always use the services of a trusted professional agency when pursuing adoption. Consider working with a qualified private attorney to assist with the process. However, before choosing an adoption facilitator, agency, or attorney, be sure to conduct thorough research on the organization or individual to verify their legitimacy and reputation.

How to avoid internet adoption scams?

Being a target of an adoption scam can take a significant emotional and financial toll. If you are a victim, don’t stay silent—report the violation to the FBI, your state attorney general’s office, or your local police department.

What Are Adoption Scams?
Adoption scams involve 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.

Types of Adoption Scams:

Financial Scams:
Scammers may pose as birth parents, adoption professionals, or attorneys, requesting money for supposed adoption-related expenses such as medical bills, legal fees, or travel costs. They often promise to place a child for adoption but disappear after receiving the funds.
False Pregnancy Scams:
Individuals pretend to be pregnant and interested in placing their unborn child for adoption. They may forge medical documents, invent detailed backstories, or even use fake pregnancy props. Once prospective adoptive parents become emotionally and financially invested, the scammer vanishes.
Identity Theft:
Scammers steal the identities of legitimate birth parents or adoption professionals to create fake profiles and carry out fraudulent adoption transactions.
Bait-and-Switch:
In these scams, individuals or agencies promise a legitimate adoption but later switch the child or birth parents without the adoptive parents’ knowledge or consent.
Unauthorized Intermediaries:
Unlicensed or unqualified intermediaries may act as adoption facilitators without meeting legal or ethical standards. They may misrepresent their credentials, inflate fees, or engage in deceptive practices.