How to Avoid Adoption Scams

During the adoption process, you not only may need to protect your heart, but also your wallet.

Like anything else that requires a big monetary investment, it’s wise to know how to

Avoid Adoption Scams and we’re here to help.

Navigating the adoption process is a profound journey filled with hope, anticipation, dreams, and vulnerability in many forms.

You’ll not only be vulnerable mentally and emotionally, but financially as well, as some people prey on families who are willing to invest a lot into building their family.

These 5 essential tips to protecting yourself (listed below) may seem like common sense, but being intentional about knowing them and checking them off your list as you go through the process can be the difference between success vs. scammed!

1. Recognize Common Adoption Scam Tactics

Unfortunately, in years of helping families like yours, adoption professionals have seen various ways that scammers try to exploit hopeful adoptive parents, so like many other types of scams, be aware that common tactics include:

• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers may feign a crisis to elicit financial assistance. Red flags often involve someone pulling at your heartstrings with a story, seeking quick help that includes money in some way – this calls for careful discernment.

  Anyone reputable in the adoption space shouldn’t contact you for quick turnaround emergency funds. If you’ve just started working with an agency or adoption attorney that says a child’s case suddenly came up the minute you started working with them (or especially if you’ve not completed your application yet!) and they are asking for funds without proper documentation and process, we recommend hitting pause and either seeking a consultant and/or lawyer, and checking their licensing.

• Unsolicited Contact: Be cautious of unexpected communications from individuals claiming to be birth parents or adoption professionals. Some agencies or attorneys acting as agencies may advertise, but cold direct outreach is unusual and cause for concern. Again, if you are still interested in working with them, due your due diligence by checked their licensing, checking reviews if possible, etc.

• Pressure Tactics: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make hasty decisions or payments. Unless there’s an opportunity to match quickly after you’ve applied with the agency or attorney, nothing should seem high-pressure and time constricted outside of what you’ve already been made aware of contractually and during the application process.

2. Verify Credentials

As mentioned above a few times, always ensure that the professionals you engage with are licensed and reputable. Request references and confirm their standing with relevant state authorities or professional organizations. Transparency and a proven track record are essential indicators of legitimacy, and this should all be done early on prior to application completion as a best practice!

3. Stay vigilant for less obvious warning signs

Red flags can include:

• Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies in stories or documents should raise concerns.

• Requests for Untraceable Payments: Avoid sending money via methods that are difficult to trace or recover.

• Limited Communication: Difficulty in establishing open and consistent communication can be a red flag.

4. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, don't ignore it. We call this your safety intuition - what’s your gut telling you? It's crucial to address any doubts or concerns promptly. Consult with support groups or an adoption consultant to gain clarity and reassurance.

5. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is a powerful tool against deception. Familiarize yourself WELL with the adoption process, typical timelines, and standard practices. Understanding what to expect can help you identify anomalies and protect yourself from potential adoption scams.

Your journey to adoption is deeply personal and significant. By staying informed and cautious, you can navigate this path with confidence and security.

If you’d like help paving the way for a successful and fulfilling adoption experience, please feel free to book a call with Adoption Journey Consultants, where we’d be happy to simply answer questions or work with you from start to finish.