How to Aviod an Adoption Scam

The decision to adopt a child is a noble choice. However, some dishonest individuals will attempt to profit off your strong desire to add a child to your family (particularly if you seek a newborn). This article is aimed at those parents seeking an independent adoption, yet it may be helpful to you regardless of the means you use to adopt. Here are some tips to help you a identify a potential adoption scam artist.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• your emotions in tact

1. Beware of birthmothers who contact you through a mass email.
   These emails may be automatically sent to your junk email box. If you have no way of knowing if the email has been sent to a mass list, move on step two.

2. Letters or emails sent from a country not open to adoption with the U.S.A. is most likely a scam.
   If the communications is written or spoken in broken English or a European dialect, it should be ignored. Unless the child is born inside the U.S.A. or comes from a country where American adoption is legal (ie Russia, Columbia, China) the adoption would be illegal.

3. Look out for birthmothers who ask for financial assistance in their first communication with you.
   Most adoption scam artists simply want to use your strong desire for children to make a profit. They know you will pay them something if it means you could potentially have the baby. When the birthmom asks for money before she even meets you, it is most likely a scam.

4. Ask the birthmother to provide you with proof of pregnancy.
   A genuine birthmother will have no problems providing this to you or she will do whatever it takes so you may have peace of mind. This question will deter and expose a scam artist.

5. If you are unsure if a birthmother is genuine or not consult a lawyer or adoption professional. Allow their advice to guide your decision making.

6. Research adoption scam discussions on the internet.
   The same adoption scam artist that contacted you may have contacted many others across the country. Do your homework.

7. Do not agree to meet with any potential birthmother in person until you have irrefutable proof of her pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be easy to become overly skeptical of all contacts you receive from birthmothers; however, use common sense and always treat them with respect.
• Always adhere to the advice of your attorney or professional advisor.
• Most adoption scam artist know the system and will claim to have given children up for adoption previously.

[S56Pell]

on 2/27/2009 Yes, adoption is no easy job. Going through the process, the money, the child, the biological parent, the courts, etc...Thank goodness ours was a bit easier and cheaper going the no lawyer, no agency route. Good luck all!Sandyhttp://www.rapidadoption.com/free_adoption_booklet.html

[Gnupig]

on 9/26/2008 ...like many other areas in life - there is a lot to be wary of!

A reputable agency can go a long way in helping you know who you are dealing with, and making sure they check out OK.

[JasneJ]

on 9/7/2008 Great advice for folks who would oviously be vulnerable to scam.Thanks.

[Pixie1976]

on 8/31/2008 Numner three, I heard about this on one of those talk shows, very important. Women will pretend their pregnant, but they might nor even be able to get pregnant themselves for whatever reason and they will pretend to be pregnant asking for money for food and medical care and they just blow the money since they're not really pregnant. Good point.

[gatorgirl182]

on 8/30/2008 There is so much to consider when you choose to adopt! Great tips! *****