Adoption Scam

I don't get the point in adoption scams. I mean obviously the truth comes out sooner or later. Well I was scammed. Last week I got an email from someone stating they had a 3 week old AA/CA daughter. She indicated she could not take care of the baby and wondered if I was interested. She sent 2 pictures of the baby. After further communication with her, she sent two more pictures that were supposed to be of herself with the baby. So many red flags came up with this situation. First of all she referred to herself as a birthparent and the father as the birthfather. Normally expectant moms don't refer themselves as a birthparent until after they have placed their child for adoption. At this point she should be considered a parent. Second of all, the way she was looking at the baby in the picture, she definitely did not look like someone ready to relinquish their child. She would never tell me why she felt she needed to place the child for adoption and would never tell me what state she lived in. I also noticed that the emails she sent came from Vanessa Maya. In her first email she signed her name Vanessa. In her second email she signed her name Maya. In another email where the pictures were attached, the pictures were called Alexis and Claire. I informed her that in order to consider this situation she must contact Bethany. She informed me she would do so.

I didn't hear from her today so I knew it was really looking suspicious. I made a post on the Bethany discussion board and found out that another waiting adoptive parent was scammed the same way. She was sent pictures of this Mom and baby last night as well.

It really makes you wonder why on earth this person took time to respond to emails, send pictures, etc. She never requested anything from me so it was basically just a waste of time.

All I have to say is thank goodness for "gut instincts" and thank goodness for Adoption agencies!!!!