I just found a cautionary tale about adoption fraud. I've actually avoided writing about this issue in this blog because I don't want to scare people away from adoption.

Many times prospective adoptive parents hear rumors or have bad information about how often scams and fraud happens and I don't want to blow it out of proportion. Most of the time, as long as you are using a reputable agency and/or attorney, adoptions have happy endings. You may lose your first referral or the first prospective birth mother who chooses you may change her mind, but from reading and writing about adoption for the past 9 months I remain convinced that as long as you are careful and you persevere in your intentions to adopt, you will have your child(ren) in the end.

That said, here are some tips the article gives on how to avoid adoption fraud:

• 
  Don't give money to the pregnant woman directly. Make sure all financial arrangements go through an agency or an attorney.



• Don't give money to an agency or attorney until it has been verified that the woman is actually pregnant.



• Be skeptical of any organization that promises shortcuts and/or speedy adoptions.



• It's best to deal with only reputable adoption agencies that have been in business at least three or four years.



• Most states require licensing of agencies and facilitators. Make sure the organization you choose has a current license.



• Don't rely only on the Internet for research. Meet the agency or facilitator in person. Ask for documentation and references.



• Hire your own social worker to interview the birth mother.



• For international adoptions, check with the U.S. State Department for tips and information.



• Total fees for U.S. or international adoptions should range from $20,000 to $30,000. Be wary of any agency that asks you for a lot more than that.