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OTHER FRAUD
ADOPTION FRAUD
ADVERTISING FRAUD
COPYRIGHT FRAUD
DIPLOMA MILLS
DOOR TO DOOR FRAUD
GAMING FRAUD
HOME REPAIR FRAUD
MOVING FRAUD
PHONY DRIVER'S LICENSES
RELIGIOUS FRAUD
SATELLITE TV FRAUD
SWEEPSTAKES FRAUD
TRAVEL FRAUD
UTILITY FRAUD
VETERINARIAN FRAUD
WORK AT HOME FRAUD
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Adoption Fraud
Perhaps one of the saddest of all, adoption fraud preys on a segment of our
population that is among the most vulnerable. In one scam, fraudsters look for
names and contact information for couples who may desperately want to adopt a
child. There are many legit websites that people who want to adopt can use to
advertise their availability and willingness to become involved in a private
adoption.
That's one place the problems can start. If a predator sees an easy opportunity,
s/he goes in for the kill. A prospective birth mother might be exactly who she
represents herself to be ... or she might be a scam artist.
Here are some red flags of adoption fraud:
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Birth
parents who ask about money
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Birth
parents who do not want to see a licensed medical doctor.
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Birth
parents who live in motels or are otherwise transient.
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Birth
parents who use only cell phones.
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Birth
parents who have no real references, family or long term friends.
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Birth
parents who refuse to submit to drug-testing.
How Can You Avoid Becoming a Victim?
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Use
reputable agencies.
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Remember the words "Caveat Emptor," Latin for Buyer Beware.
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Check
out the birth mother ... carefully.
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Do
not rely solely on the Internet.
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If
you are using an agency, get references and check them carefully.
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Know
the adoption laws.
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Talk
to the State Licensing authorities; inquire as to past complaints.
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Go
one step further; check the Better Business Bureau, the Attorney General's
Office and the State Social Services office.
If you become a victim of adoption fraud, do
everything in your power to warn others so that they do not suffer the same
heartache.
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