Surrogacy Scams to Avoid in NY: Red Flags & Due‑Diligence Tactics

Introduction

Most professionals are ethical, but any high‑stake industry attracts bad actors. Use this due‑diligence playbook to protect your family.

Common Red Flags

• Pressure to pay before receiving documents or references.
• No independent escrow; funds held by the agency itself.
• Vague or unverifiable FDA/clinic claims.
• Unwillingness to share sample contracts or policies.

Verification Tactics

Ask for documents and check them. Ethical teams welcome scrutiny.

• Corporate filings and DBA certificates.
• Escrow agreement and monthly statement samples.
• FDA registration numbers for clinics/tissue establishments.
• Independent references from IPs and surrogates.

Digital Hygiene

Protect personal data and ensure secure document sharing.

• Use encrypted portals for sensitive records.
• Beware of impersonation; confirm email domains.
• Keep a log of who receives which documents.

Dispute & Recovery

If something feels wrong, pause and bring counsel in immediately.

• Use contract dispute clauses and jurisdiction provisions.
• Notify escrow and freeze disbursements if needed.
• Document every interaction for potential recovery.

Case Study

IPs received pressure to pay before receiving documents. They insisted on escrow, requested references, and uncovered inconsistencies—choosing a different, fully transparent team instead.

Testimonials

• “The red‑flag list helped us avoid a risky situation.” — M.&Y., Brooklyn
• “Independent escrow and references gave us confidence.” — M.&C., Staten Island
• “We verified FDA numbers and caught a mismatch before signing.” — M.&J., Westchester

Internal Linking Suggestions

Find a Surrogate in the USA

Find a Surrogate in Canada

Become a Surrogate

Egg Donor Options in the USA

Indian Egg Donors

Patients Medical – Wellness & Fertility

FAQs

Q. Is it normal to wire large sums to an agency account?

Ans : No—use independent escrow with milestone‑based releases.

Q. Can reviews be faked?

Ans : Yes. Rely on direct references and professional networks in addition to online reviews.

Q. What if we suspect fraud?

Ans : Stop payments, notify escrow and counsel, and review contract remedies immediately.