FRAUD ALERT 🚨
I recently learned that someone impersonated me to scam hopeful adoptive parents out of money. I’m so upset by this (and have reported it to all the relevant authorities). Unfortunately, adoption is ripe for scams. It’s sickening that someone would prey on vulnerable people who are so eager to add a child to their family, but it happens.
Most people have heard of the scams where people impersonate expectant moms to get money out of prospective adoptive parents. But it appears that scammers are getting even more brazen by impersonating adoption professionals.
I hate that I even have to say this, but here are some tips to avoid this type of scam:
A reputable adoption attorney would never request that you send money upfront without having a signed fee agreement in place. Same with adoption agencies - you should sign a contract before sending any money. Also, while it may be acceptable to some, I typically do NOT accept payment through PayPal, Venmo, or the CashApp.
Do your diligence on the organization you are working with before paying anything. A simple google search probably could have exposed the fact that this person was not me, but rather someone pretending to be me. (For example, they requested money be sent to their fiancé or their secretary - I am married, don’t have a fiancé, and also don’t have a secretary.)
Speak to someone on the phone! In this day and age, technology has made communication so easy, which is great, but if an attorney will only communicate with you via WhatsApp, that’s unusual. I text with my clients, but usually only after I’ve been retained. I do not use WhatsApp. And I would NEVER request payment via text before actually speaking to a prospective client.
Finally, please don’t be so desperate for a child that your morals and ethics go out the window. If someone says something along the lines of, “just send me $1,000 and you’ll get a baby in a week,” red flags should be going up for you. That’s NOT how adoption works, nor should it. These are children, not commodities. Ask questions. Do your research. Make sure you are dealing with an actual adoption professional, and an ethical one at that.
I am saddened that this happened to someone and want to make sure that it does not happen to anyone else.
Update 9/3/21: The scammer(s) are still active. I do not know anyone named Nelle Cruz, so if she referred you to me, run. I also do not communicate via WhatsApp or request payment through PayPal or Zelle.
Update 12/2/21: The scammer is now using a profile with the name “Wegner Regina” and targeting people in adoption Facebook groups. I am not working with anyone named Regina Wegner.
Here are some things to look out for:
