Adoption is one of the most beautiful expressions of love — a selfless choice to build a family and provide a child with a future full of stability and care. But unfortunately, not every person online who claims to be part of an adoption journey has pure intentions.
Adoption scams have become increasingly common, especially across social media platforms, private message boards, and even legitimate-looking websites. Knowing the signs of a scam is crucial for both hopeful adoptive families and expectant mothers who are looking for trustworthy help.
At Adoption Finder, our mission is to connect families and mothers safely, transparently, and with faith-based integrity. This blog will help you identify what adoption scams look like, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve been targeted.
What Is an Adoption Scam?
An adoption scam occurs when someone pretends to be an expectant parent, adoptive parent, or adoption professional with the intent to deceive and profit from someone’s vulnerability or good intentions.
These scams can involve emotional manipulation, false identities, or even requests for money and gifts — all designed to take advantage of people who are trying to do the right thing.
Common Types of Adoption Scams
1. Expectant Mom Scams
In this version, someone contacts a hopeful adoptive family claiming to be pregnant and interested in placing her baby for adoption. She may share fake ultrasound photos, pregnancy tests, or stolen images to seem legitimate. Often, she will request financial help, such as money for rent, food, or medical costs — then vanish once payment is sent.
Red flags:
- Requests for cash or gift cards.
- Unwillingness to verify pregnancy through an agency or attorney.
- Overly emotional messages or urgent timelines.
- Inconsistent stories, fake documents, or multiple “profiles.”
2. Fake Adoption Agency or Facilitator Scams
Some scammers build entire websites posing as licensed agencies or private adoption facilitators. They may charge large “application fees” or “match fees” and then disappear after receiving payment.
Red flags:
- No physical address or phone number.
- Poor grammar, vague answers, or no licensing information.
- Pressure to pay quickly before “losing your match.”
- No legal documentation or signed contracts.
3. Scams Targeting Expectant Moms
Sadly, birth mothers can also be targeted. Scammers may pose as agencies or “adoption advocates” promising to help find families, only to collect personal information, steal identities, or use photos for fake listings to manipulate adoptive families elsewhere.
Red flags:
- Asking for copies of ID or Social Security cards.
- Offering “cash bonuses” for placing a baby.
- Refusing to show credentials or references.
- Pressuring you to sign forms before you’ve spoken with an attorney or counselor.
How to Protect Yourself from Adoption Scammers
✅ Work with Verified Professionals
Only work with licensed adoption agencies or attorneys. Ask for their state license number, physical office address, and references.
You can verify an adoption professional through your state licensing board or through trusted organizations like Adoption Finder, which partners only with legitimate and ethical adoption entities.
✅ Never Send Money Directly
Always handle financial assistance through legal, regulated channels — not via Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or wire transfer. A real agency will process any allowable assistance in compliance with state law.
✅ Watch for Emotional Manipulation
Scammers are often skilled storytellers. They’ll build quick emotional bonds, share tragic details, and pressure you to act fast. Genuine adoption matches take time, require documentation, and involve multiple professionals — not just DMs or text messages.
✅ Do a Reverse Image Search
If someone sends you a photo of themselves or their baby, do a reverse Google image search. Many scammers reuse images found online or stolen from real adoption profiles.
✅ Keep Communication Documented
Save every text, email, or screenshot. If the situation feels off, you can share this evidence with law enforcement, your attorney, or Adoption Finder’s verification team.
If You’ve Been Targeted by a Scammer
You’re not alone — and you’re not at fault. Scammers are skilled manipulators who prey on good-hearted people.
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Stop communication with the suspected scammer.
- Do not send any more money or personal information.
- Report the scam to your local police, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if an agency was impersonated.
- Reach out to a verified professional — you can contact Adoption Finder to help identify safe, ethical next steps.
Why Scammers Target Adoption
Adoption involves emotional vulnerability and strong desires for connection — whether you’re a parent hoping for a child or a mother making a difficult decision. Scammers exploit those emotions because they know people are less likely to question sincerity when compassion is involved.
But being loving and cautious can go hand in hand. Faith teaches us to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16, ESV) — a reminder that discernment is not distrust, but wisdom guided by truth.
Adoption Finder’s Role in Safety and Support
At Adoption Finder, we take scams seriously. Every partner we work with — from agencies to churches to support ministries — undergoes a verification process. We help:
- Verify adoption professionals and expectant moms.
- Provide secure connection tools for verified members.
- Offer support, education, and safety awareness.
- Walk alongside both birth and adoptive families long after placement.
If you’re ever unsure about a situation or need guidance, you can contact us directly at Info@AdoptionFinder.org or visit AdoptionFinder.org to learn more about safe adoption practices.
Final Thoughts
Adoption is sacred, and while scammers may try to exploit it, truth and transparency always prevail. When families and mothers are empowered with education and discernment, scams lose their power.
Stay hopeful, stay wise, and remember — you’re not alone in this journey.
Adoption Finder is here to protect families, support moms, and build trust in every adoption story.
Learn More
Visit AdoptionFinder.org to explore resources, download free adoption guides, or connect with one of our support mentors today.