Your Scam Report

Adoption Scams

Adoption is an emotional journey, and scammers exploit that trust for financial gain.

Overview

Adoption represents hope, care, and a deeply emotional commitment for both adoptive families and birth parents. In most cases, adoption is carried out for genuine reasons and leads to positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, scammers have found ways to exploit this process. Adoption scams target individuals and families during an emotionally vulnerable time, using deception to extract money through false promises, fake identities, or dishonest agencies.

While adoption scams are not as widespread as some other fraud types, the financial and emotional damage they cause can be severe. Awareness and caution are essential throughout the adoption process.

How This Scam Works

Adoption scammers create believable stories and professional-looking setups to gain trust. They often pose as legitimate adoption agencies, birth mothers, or intermediaries involved in the adoption process.

Common patterns include:

  • Requesting upfront payments for fabricated expenses
  • Providing false or unverifiable information
  • Delaying the process after receiving money
  • Disappearing once funds are transferred

Scammers rely heavily on emotional pressure and urgency to prevent victims from verifying details.

Deceptive Adoption Agencies Exploiting Finances

Some scammers present themselves as professional adoption agencies. They request large upfront fees for services such as supporting the birth mother, medical care, or travel arrangements.

In many cases, these agencies:

  • Provide false medical or background information
  • Fail to show verifiable proof of the baby or birth mother
  • Misuse funds instead of applying them to adoption-related costs

As a general precaution, adoption fees exceeding USD 50,000, including travel expenses, should be treated with extreme caution unless fully verified.

False Birth Mother Deception

This is one of the most common adoption scams.

In these cases:

  • Individuals claim to be pregnant when they are not
  • Some may be pregnant but have no intention of completing the adoption
  • Funds are collected from multiple families simultaneously

Eventually, contact stops or the adoption is canceled, leaving families emotionally devastated and financially harmed.

False Promises and Extra Fees

Some dishonest agencies exploit parents’ preferences regarding a child’s age, race, or health.

Scammers may:

  • Promise a “perfect match” within a guaranteed timeframe
  • Request additional fees to “speed up” the adoption
  • Continuously delay the process after payments

No legitimate adoption agency can guarantee specific outcomes or timelines.

Adoption Scam Red Flags

  • Requests for large upfront payments without documentation
  • Refusal to provide verifiable proof of the baby or birth mother
  • Pressure to act quickly or secretly
  • Guarantees about baby characteristics or timelines
  • Poor communication or inconsistent information

If something feels rushed or unclear, it’s important to pause and verify.

Protecting Yourself During the Adoption Process

Prospective adoptive parents can reduce risk by following these precautions:

  • Demand valid proof: Request verifiable documentation of the baby and birth mother
  • Avoid direct payments: Do not give money directly to individuals claiming to be birth parents
  • Be cautious of guarantees: No agency can promise exact outcomes or timelines
  • Verify health records: Request medical records well before finalizing any agreement
  • Research agencies thoroughly: Confirm licensing, reviews, and legal standing
  • Careful verification protects both your finances and your emotional well-being.

Steps to Take After an Adoption Scam

If you believe you’ve been affected by an adoption scam:

  1. Stop sending any further money
  2. Save all communications, receipts, and documents
  3. Avoid continued contact with suspected scammers
  4. Seek professional guidance to understand your options

Acting quickly can help limit further damage and provide clarity.

Confidential Help After an Adoption Scam

Adoption scams can be emotionally painful and financially stressful. You don’t have to navigate this situation alone.

At YourScamReport.com, we offer a free, confidential consultation to review your case and help you understand possible next steps.