Avoiding Adoption Fraud from Unlicensed Professionals: A Checklist

Adoption can be one of the most rewarding journeys of your life—but it also requires careful steps to avoid falling victim to scams.

Every year, hopeful adoptive parents lose time,  money, and emotional investment to fraudulent individuals or unlicensed professionals. By learning how to spot the red flags and verify the legitimacy of any adoption agency or facilitator, you can protect yourself and stay focused on your path to parenthood.

This checklist will help you identify the warning signs of adoption scams and give you clear, actionable steps to confirm you’re working with a trusted adoption professional. Anytime you have questions about how to avoid adoption scams, you can always contact a trusted professional by clicking here.

Adoption Scam Prevention Checklist

Use this list to evaluate any adoption agency, attorney, or facilitator you are considering working with:

Confirm the Professional Is Licensed in Your State

Always work with a licensed adoption agency or attorney. Licensing ensures they meet strict legal and ethical standards. To verify a professional’s license:

• Check your state’s Department of Human Services or Child Welfare Information Gateway for verified providers.
• Ask for a copy of their license and confirm it is current and issued in your state.
• Be wary of facilitators who operate across state lines without proper legal authorization.

If an agency or individual refuses to share licensing credentials, that’s a major red flag.

Watch Out for Unrealistic Promises

Scammers often lure people in with offers that sound too good to be true, such as:

• “Guaranteed match within 30 days”
• “No home study required.”
• “We can refund your entire fee if it doesn’t work out”

No ethical professional can guarantee an adoption match or timeline. Adoption is a deeply personal and complex process involving legal, emotional, and logistical variables. Instead, look for agencies that are upfront about the process and provide realistic expectations from the beginning. Learn more about how ethical adoption works.

Ask the Right Questions

Before choosing a professional, come prepared with questions that can help you spot both quality and deception. Here are a few to start with:

• How long have you been completing adoptions?
• Are you licensed in this state?
• What services are included in your fees?
• How do you screen and support birth parents?
• Can you provide references from other adoptive families?

If any answers seem vague, defensive, or just off putting, you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

Look for Transparent Fee Structures

Scam operations often hide fees or tack on hidden charges late in the process. A trustworthy professional will provide:

• A written breakdown of all estimated fees
• Clear terms regarding what happens in the case of a disrupted adoption
• Information on where your money goes and when

You can also review ethical standards in adoption services to ensure what you’re seeing aligns with best practices.

Read Online Reviews and Testimonials

Reading honest reviews can provide insight into others’ real experiences—both good and bad.

• Search for the agency or individual on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and adoption forums.
• Look for patterns. A single bad review may not mean much, but repeated complaints should be taken seriously.
• Join support groups and communities, such as Creating a Family, to hear from others who’ve walked the same path.

Be Cautious With Payments and Deposits

Scammers may pressure you to pay large deposits upfront or via untraceable methods like wire transfers or apps (Venmo, Zelle). Instead:

• Use secure and traceable payment methods.
• Avoid professionals who demand urgency in payment decisions.
• Insist on a written contract before providing any money.

Review Professional Associations and Credentials

Many ethical adoption professionals are affiliated with national organizations, which require high standards for membership. Look for professionals connected to:

• National Council For Adoption (NCFA)
• American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA)
• Council on Accreditation (COA)

While membership doesn’t guarantee legitimacy, it adds a layer of accountability.

Avoid Facilitators

Adoption “facilitators” are legal in some states but banned in others. Even where they are allowed, they are unlicensed and loosely regulated. Always check your state’s laws before working with one. A licensed agency or adoption attorney is generally a safer choice.

Your Next Step: Choose an Ethical, Licensed Adoption Professional

With the right information—and the right support—you can avoid scams and move forward with confidence.

If you’re just beginning your journey, learn more about how the adoption process works by reaching out to a trusted adoption specialist to get personalized guidance.

Adoption can be one of the most rewarding journeys of your life—but it also requires careful steps to avoid falling victim to scams.