Topic : 07/26 Adoptions Scams, Part 1

Hi there,

I am a new adoptive mom to a newborn baby son. There is so much involved with adoption that I can see how easy it would be to get scammed. First of all the emotion of wanting to be a parent is overwhelming. It can take over your entire being therefore making you an easy target for scammers. I have to admit it, I was scared too. But I was lucky.

I think this is why most adoptions are international instead of domestic, this is so sad. We have so many people in the US that scam people instead of working! People are scared of birthparents!!!!! Will she change her mind, will another family member come forward? I think that there should be adoption law reform in our country. After just going through an interstate adoption, I have to say that the laws are a mess! Each state is different and you have to comply with each state. Some international adoptions are not this hard!

I have to say that birthmother expenses need to be regulated instead of being called "charity!" In some states you are really buying a baby instead of simply wanting a family and providing one for a child who really needs one.

On another note, I want to say that not all BIRTHPARENTS are scammers or bad. I have a great relationship with the Birthmother of my son. She loves her child and wanted to give him the world. We talk on a regular basis and are forming a special relationship not only for ourselves, but for OUR sons future. Sometimes I hear people saying that we should not be close at all, this is not how adoption should be. Adoption needs to be more open in our country. Everyone involved should be able to love the child. I am not saying weekly visits are the answer. But open communication and honesty need to be there.

If there were more regulation on adoption these things would not be happening. The laws in EACH state need to be the same and the birthparents should not receive so much money for support until and after the child is born. My state regulated the money I was allowed to give our birthmother. I did not feel as though I was buying a baby.

I wish more people would stand up and help change the adoption laws in our country.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is very committed to investigating telephone, mail and internet fraud.  The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers report, spot, stop, and avoid them.

Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury.  The following link to the FTC website, you'll find publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics and reporting consumer fraud.

www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm 

To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Hope it helps!

I am interested in viewing the Myspace.com page that Marie set up. This is such a disturbing topic for me as I have fought to become a mother myself and am still fighting that long fight. If anyone has a link, I would appreciate it.

Thank you...

Marie, Jen, and Chrissy(sp) are in our thoughts.

Well, unfortunately, the MySpace page you referenced no longer exists.

I have a feeling she's the reason behind that, too.

Hallie

Even though I ws never scammed - I have been in your shoes as far as wanting a baby/family.  I tried for 5 years, suffered 10 miscarriages.  My husband and I still reflect today as that being the most difficult time of our lives thus far.  However, "hanging in there" and not letting anyone interfere with our desire to be parents won out over all the obstacles placed in our way.  We have a beautiful family of 3 girls - all adopted as infants - all happy and healthy.  The girls are now 7, 4 and 18 months....and are the light of our lives.  If having them meant having to go through those 5 trying years....then it was worth it!  If you want children - don't let this woman and her horrible ways stop you or deter you in any way.  Press on.  Your perserverance will help create a loving family some day.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!