Adoption fraud not only violates U.S. and other countries’ laws, it often ends up hurting the very people adoption is meant to help –the children. Most people involved in the intercountry adoption process have the child’s best interests at heart. Unfortunately, there are also a few unscrupulous individuals who prey upon unsuspecting and vulnerable parents. Such individuals may view the adoption process as a way to make money or they may be trying to “beat the system” because they think they know better.

Be careful about listening to individuals who claim to know shortcuts. When considering an intercountry adoption, the old adage often applies: If the offer sounds “too good to be true,” it probably is.

You can help avoid potential heartache by remaining on the alert and being aware through the entire adoption process. Some common fraud issues include:

• Prospective adoptive parents being charged exorbitant fees or asked to pay large amounts of cash for unspecified services;

• Agencies knowingly offering a supposedly healthy child who is later found to be seriously ill; and

• Agencies knowingly obtaining prepayment for the adoption of a nonexistent child or a child not eligible for adoption.
To help avoid fraud, we recommend:

• Use only reputable agencies, attorneys, and facilitators;

• Be wary of statements from agencies that appear to be contradictory, vague, or unrealistic;

• Report problems with agencies or intermediaries in the United States immediately to the appropriate state authorities, as well as the State Department (other authorities include state social services, District Attorney, Better Business Bureau, or the state Attorney General’s office);

• Consider having the child examined by an independentphysician before completing adoption procedures (the visa-related medical examination determines whether the child has any conditions that would make him/her ineligible for a U.S. immigrant visa; it is NOT a comprehensive medical assessment of the child); and

• When possible, deal only with licensed or accredited adoption agencies or service providers.If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, you should register your concerns with your state licensing authority and with the Better Business Bureau. In addition, you may register your complaint with with the Office of Children’s Issues by sending an email to AskCI@State.gov. If the fraud or misrepresentation occurs with an agency accredited to work on Hague cases, report it using the Hague Complaint Registry on our website.