Adoption is one of the most hopeful and vulnerable journeys a family can take. The longing to welcome a child is so powerful that adoptive parents open their hearts wide to possibilities. That is why, when adoption scams occur, the damage often cuts far deeper than financial loss. It touches emotions, relationships, and dreams.
While scams are rare, recent headlines remind us that they do occur. By understanding how emotional scams work and how to protect yourself, you can move forward in your adoption journey with both confidence and peace of mind.
Table of Contents
- What Are Emotional Adoption Scams?
- A Recent Case: Gabby Watson
- Why Adopting Families Are Vulnerable
- Red Flags to Watch For
- How to Protect Yourself
- Finding Hope Beyond the Fear
- Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption Scams
- Stay Confident in the Wait
What Are Emotional Adoption Scams?
When people hear the word “scam,” they usually think of money. In adoption, that can happen when someone pretending to be pregnant asks for financial help they are not entitled to. Typically, we see this in someone who isn’t pregnant or has no intention of placing a child for adoption.
But not all scams involve money. Emotional scams happen when someone pretends to be pregnant and considering adoption, but never intends to place a child. Instead, the scammer manipulates families emotionally, creating false hope and often controlling them with dramatic stories, guilt, or threats. In short, attention-seeking behavior at the expense of crushing someone else’s hopes and dreams.
For hopeful adoptive families, the pain is real. Even without financial loss, emotional scams steal time and trust, leaving behind grief over the loss of a child that never existed.
A Recent Case: Gabby Watson
Not long ago, Gabryele “Gabby” Watson, age 29, pled guilty in federal court to multiple charges, including cyberstalking and identity theft. Her case illustrates the devastating impact of emotional adoption scams.
Watson impersonated real pregnant teenagers by stealing photos, ultrasound images, and details from their social media accounts. She contacted adoptive families, pretending to be those young women, and convinced them she wanted them to adopt her baby. Over time, she demanded constant attention, pressured families to buy baby items, and fabricated one crisis after another, from fake medical emergencies to threats of suicide or abortion.
In one case, she even spoke to a couple’s young children on the phone, encouraging them to be excited about “their new siblings.” Eventually, she escalated to threats against the adoptive families themselves.
Watson now faces sentencing and could spend years in federal prison. This case is extreme and thankfully rare, but it shows how devastating emotional scams can be for families who are simply longing to become parents.
Why Adopting Families Are Vulnerable
Adoption scammers prey on hope. Families who have been waiting, sometimes for years, are eager to believe that a match has finally happened. Scammers exploit that vulnerability to create a sense of urgency, demanding instant responses at all hours. They seek control, pressuring families to prove their commitment. And they exploit compassion, sharing dramatic stories designed to trigger emotional reactions.
With the rise of adoption outreach on social media, families are more visible than ever. Posting your story online can connect you with real expectant mothers, but it can also open the door to bad actors. This is why it is so important to have a qualified adoption professional like Lifetime Adoption by your side.
Red Flags to Watch For
While every situation is unique, there are common warning signs of an emotional scam. Families may notice constant crises, with a new emergency arising every day. Stories about the pregnancy or hospital plans may shift and change, making details inconsistent. The person may refuse to involve your agency or attorney, insisting on keeping everything private. Emotional manipulation may show up in the form of threats of self-harm, abortion, or even harm directed at you. Another red flag is over-the-top urgency, with pressure to respond immediately, often at odd hours.
If something feels “off,” it is important to trust your instincts. Keep your adoption coordinator informed so she can provide assistance and information, and do this sooner rather than later!
How to Protect Yourself
The good news is that families can take steps to reduce their risk and protect their hearts during the adoption journey.
Working with a licensed agency is the first and most important step in avoiding an adoption scam. A trusted adoption agency provides safeguards you simply cannot create on your own. Agencies verify pregnancies, offer real support to expectant mothers, and act as a buffer between families and potential scammers. They also have access to industry information that helps catch adoption scammers.
Families should also never send money or gifts directly to someone they have just met online. All financial support must go through the proper legal channels. If someone is asking you for money or items, that is a sign to pause and involve your agency right away.
Be thoughtful about what you share online. If you are posting about your adoption hopes, discuss with your agency safe ways to conduct outreach.
And always trust your gut. If something feels wrong, call your agency immediately and let them investigate.
Finally, it is important to build emotional resilience. Not every adoption opportunity will move forward, and that can be a painful experience. But there is a difference between the normal ups and downs of adoption and a scam. Having professionals walk alongside you helps you distinguish between the two and recover more quickly when disappointments arise.
For a deeper dive into this topic, including real stories and expert insights, check out this Let’s Talk Adoption podcast episode on emotional adoption scams, which explores how families can recognize and protect themselves from these devastating situations.
Finding Hope Beyond the Fear
At Lifetime Adoption, we understand how devastating adoption scams can be. We have walked alongside families hurt by emotional manipulation, and we have also celebrated thousands of successful matches thanks to the right safeguards that families established.
Remember that scams are the exception, not the rule. The overwhelming majority of adoption journeys involve real expectant mothers, real babies, and real relationships that can last a lifetime.
By working with a licensed agency and staying aware of the signs, you can protect your heart while keeping hope alive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption Scams
Are adoption scams common?
No. While adoption scams do happen, they’re the exception, not the rule. The vast majority of adoption stories involve real expectant mothers and successful placements.
What is the difference between a scam and a failed adoption match?
A scam involves deception, where someone never intended to place a child. A failed match happens when a real expectant mother changes her mind. While both can be painful, one involves fraud while the other reflects the mother’s legal right to decide.
How can I tell if someone is scamming me?
Common signs include inconsistent stories, constant emergencies, refusal to involve your agency, or pressure to send money directly. If something feels wrong, contact your agency immediately.
What should I do if I think I am the target of an adoption scammer?
Stop direct communication and contact your agency immediately. Do not send money, gift cards, or personal information. Your agency can investigate and guide you through the next steps.
Can an agency prevent all scams?
While no one can guarantee you will never encounter a scam, a licensed agency provides critical protections. Agencies verify pregnancies, screen situations, and support expectant mothers, which significantly reduces your risk.
Stay Confident in the Wait
The Gabby Watson case reminds us that emotional scams in adoption do exist, but they do not define adoption. With the right guidance and support, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you do not have to face this journey alone.
At Lifetime Adoption, our mission is to protect families, support expectant mothers, and create safe and successful adoptions. If you have questions or concerns about scams—or if you simply want to talk about how adoption really works—we are here for you.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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