Woman scammed ₹7,500 in adoption fraud case

A woman in the city lost ₹7,500 in an adoption scam. Radha, whose name has been changed for privacy, was influenced by a video shown to her by her sister. The video promised that a baby could be adopted from a hospital for a total payment of ₹12,500. After contacting the organization featured in the video, Radha received an email that appeared to be from the Child Welfare Board. The email instructed her to pay part of the fee and pick up the baby at the Government Children Hospital in Egmore. Radha paid ₹7,500 but could not transfer the rest due to network problems. Determined to confirm the adoption, Radha visited the hospital. She has been trying to have a child for 14 years and previously considered the legal adoption process through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) but found it complicated and time-consuming. Hospital staff confirmed that this type of scam is new and that Radha was unaware she was being deceived. The authorities have reported the case to the police. An official from the Child Welfare Committee noted that such scams are becoming more common and emphasized the need for public awareness on adoption processes, which should only occur through CARA.