Recently, Adoptions From The Heart came across a viral video of a married couple who were victims of an adoption scam. This heartbreaking story sparked a conversation about the importance of us as an agency to speak on why it is often better to go through agencies and what to look out for when choosing not to. As an open adoption agency, we take pride in educating our clients and prospective clients about the good and bad things that could occur. That includes adoption scams that happen more often than you think when seeking adoptions online or through similar facets.

Adoption scams are a heartbreaking reality for some hopeful prospective adoptive parents. These scams can take many forms, from birth mothers who never intended to place their child for adoption to scammers who stage the entire process and even fraudulent adoption agencies that take money without providing services. Being cautious of birth mothers who ask for money or other financial assistance before the adoption is complete is an absolute red flag. Working with reputable adoption agencies such as Adoptions From The Heart and attorneys that have exemplary work and licensing is essential. Researching and thoroughly vetting any potential adoption opportunities before moving forward is important. This way, you can help ensure a safe and successful adoption process.

Adopting is already a long and emotional journey. In honor of continuing to spread adoption awareness in all its facets, here are some tips to help you avoid adoption scams and disappointment.

  • Be wary of individuals or agencies that claim they can guarantee placement or a quick adoption process. Adoption is a complex process that requires legal assistance, medical examination, home studies, and sometimes can consist of disappointments and much more that can delay a placement. There is no way to guarantee a time frame.
  • Do your research! We can not say this enough. Adoptions From The Heart is a one-of-a-kind agency, as we genuinely do all we can to provide ethical, legal, and quality support to all adoption triad members. However, it’s critical that your choice feels right. Look for reviews and testimonials from other families. (Tune into AFTHtv and our Heart To Heart Podcast to hear real stories of real experiences from real families). Seek proof that your agency/person is truly what/who they say they are.  
  • Check for references! Get a better understanding of the situation in totality.
  • Be cautious of any requests for money or financial assistance before the adoption is complete, especially through text, direct messages, voice calls, etc. While it’s normal to cover some of the birth mother’s expenses during the pregnancy, such as medical bills, be wary of requests for large sums of money or ongoing financial support, primarily if not through an agency. Be bold and fact-check. It’s not rude to want questions answered because you’d like to be safe rather than sorry. 
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it’s better to walk away and find a different adoption opportunity.

Remember, the best way to avoid adoption scams is to work with a reputable agency such as Adoptions From The Heart or a facilitator who is truly trained and equipped to deal with all that comes from planning for adoption. But first, it is up to you to do your due diligence in researching agencies and the different avenues to adoption that best suit your situation. With the proper precautions, you are sure to have a safe and successful adoption process. It just takes a lot more work to ensure that. Take your time, think it through, and wait for the right opportunity. 

For more information on open adoption and how we do things here at Adoptions From The Heart, be sure to visit our website! For all other questions, give us a call at 800-335-5500 to speak with someone today about all things adoption!