Spotting & Avoiding Surrogacy Scams in Washington, D.C.

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey, but like any high-value process, it can attract scammers and fraudulent agencies. In Washington, D.C., intended parents must be vigilant to protect their money, legal rights, and emotional well-being.

This guide by Surrogacy4All explains how to identify surrogacy scams and safeguard yourself while pursuing parenthood.

Common Surrogacy Scams

• Unlicensed Agencies
  

1. 1. • Offer services without proper licensing or medical partnerships
        
      • Request large upfront payments without contracts
        

• Fake Surrogates
  

1. 1. • Individuals claiming to be surrogates without medical verification
        
      • May disappear after receiving payments
        

• Illegal IVF Clinics or Donor Misrepresentation
  

1. 1. • Clinics that operate without proper accreditation
        
      • False claims about donor quality or success rates
        

• Unrealistic Pricing Promises
  

1. • Claims of surrogacy for unusually low costs
     
   • Hidden fees or unexplained charges later in the process
     

Tip: Always verify agencies, clinics, and surrogates before starting any transaction.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Work with Licensed Agencies

• Choose a surrogacy agency FDA-licensed and experienced in Washington, D.C. surrogacy
  
• Check reviews, testimonials, and references
  
• Surrogacy4All is fully licensed and transparent, with proven success in matching surrogates and intended parents
  

2. Verify Medical Professionals

• Ensure IVF clinics, doctors, and surrogates are screened and accredited
  
• Request medical certifications and background checks
  
• Avoid any provider who refuses to share credentials
  

3. Legal Safeguards

• Draft a comprehensive surrogacy agreement
  
• Include clauses for payments, responsibilities, and contingencies
  
• Hire independent legal counsel for both parties
  

4. Avoid Large Upfront Payments

• Use escrow accounts or payment plans managed by agencies
  
• Be cautious if an agency demands full payment before services
  
• Surrogacy4All offers secure escrow management for all transactions

Red Flags to Watch

• Lack of transparency about fees or surrogate information
  
• Agencies pressuring you to make quick decisions
  
• Clinics or surrogates are unwilling to provide documentation
  
• Promises that seem too good to be true, like extremely low surrogacy costs
  

Tip: Trust your instincts and seek professional guidance whenever unsure.

Emotional Preparedness

• Scams can cause emotional and financial stress
  
• Maintain open communication with legal counsel and agency
  
• Join support groups for intended parents to share experiences
  
• Agencies like Surrogacy4All provide counseling and continuous support

Faqs

Q1: How do I know if a surrogacy agency is legitimate?

Ans: Check licensing, reviews, testimonials, and whether they use accredited IVF clinics.

Q2: Can fake surrogates be identified beforehand?

Ans: Yes, medical verification, background checks, and agency coordination help confirm authenticity.

Q3: What legal protections should I have?

Ans: Comprehensive surrogacy agreements, independent legal counsel, and escrow accounts.

Q4: Are unusually low surrogacy costs a warning sign?

Ans: Yes, extremely low costs often indicate hidden fees or fraud.

Q5: Can agencies help prevent scams?

Ans: Yes, Surrogacy4All screens surrogates, coordinates legally, and manages payments securely.

Final Words

Spotting and avoiding surrogacy scams in Washington, D.C., is essential for a safe and successful surrogacy journey. By working with licensed agencies, verifying medical professionals, using legal safeguards, and trusting secure escrow processes, intended parents can protect themselves and their investment.

For guidance on legitimate surrogacy agencies, legal contracts, and safe practices, contact Surrogacy4All at (212) 661-7673. Our team ensures your surrogacy journey is secure, transparent, and well-supported.