Understanding What Is Adoption Fraud in Georgia & Minimize Your Risk of Being a Victim
Adopting a child is a stressful yet fulfilling moment for individuals and families. However, deceptive adoption agencies or birth mothers can wipe a family clean of thousands of dollars and without a child.
The adoption fraud investigations can be tedious, but worth it. No family should have their dreams of adding onto their family taken from them by a scam artist. As Georgia licensed investigators, we want to go through the adoption laws in our state, and what you can do if you suspect you may be a victim of adoption fraud.
Adoption Fraud Is Considered Theft By Deception in Georgia
Theft by deception is when a person steals another person’s property or money through a scam or false pretenses. Adoption fraud falls into this category in Georgia. For adoption fraud, this is a felony offense if the alleged scammer stole more than $500. Adoptions are not cheap, so adoption frauds are more often than not felony offenses.
[RELATED: Theft By Deception Explained]
Minimizing the Risk of Adoption Fraud
Sometimes the signs are not always clear. If they were, thousands of people wouldn’t fall victim to adoption fraud. While fraud is not always 100 percent preventable, the risk can be minimized. First, anything that seems too good to be true probably is. As exciting and stressful the adoption process may be, it is important to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Do not rush into any agreements or payments before assessing the full scope of the situation. And if your intuition is telling you something is wrong, it could be. You are safer to be too cautious than too worry-free, especially in the adoption process.
Always Have an Attorney Review Your Contracts
When it comes to adoption, everything should be legally bound in a way that is fair for both parties. Your attorney can find red flags or discrepancies in your contract. Don’t sign anything that is binding before having an attorney review.
Be Cautious of Independent Agencies
Independent agencies are more susceptible to scammers than a professional, established agency. Professional agencies will conduct background screenings on the birth mothers and are well-versed in the adoption process. They may also provide adoption insurance to protect the adoptive families from scam. This can save you thousands of dollars.
Get to Know the Potential Birth Mother
It is important to get to know the birth mother to determine whether you trust them or not. Do not make any binding agreements before going through an adoption professional. If the birth mother is legit, she will want to ensure the adoption process and plan is done correctly. She will also have questions for you as well.
Don’t Transfer Money Directly to the Birth Mother
If you are the adoptive parents, do not send money to the birth mother. It is best to send the money through the agency or an adoption attorney. Or, pay the electric company, landlord, etc directly.
For Georgia Adoption Fraud Investigation Services, Contact CGA Solutions
Are you concerned you are being scammed, or want to take extra measures to prevent a scam? Contact the professional investigators at CGA Solutions. From background investigations to surveillance, we can help prevent a scam or fraud from interfering with your growing family.
To schedule a consultation, contact our firm today. We are licensed in Georgia and South Carolina.
