Sat Mar 22 16:10:55 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Woman Scammed Out of ₹7,500 in Baby Adoption Fraud
**Chennai, March 22, 2025** – A Chennai woman, Radha (name changed), fell victim to an online adoption scam, losing ₹7,500 to fraudsters posing as representatives of a child welfare organization. Radha, who has been trying to adopt a child for 14 years, was contacted after expressing interest in an adoption video circulating online. The video falsely advertised the adoption of a baby from a hospital for ₹12,500.
The scammers, using a fake Child Welfare Board email, instructed Radha to pay the fee and collect the child at the Government Children Hospital in Egmore. She paid ₹7,500 before network issues prevented her from completing the transaction. Upon visiting the hospital to verify the adoption, she discovered the scam.
Hospital authorities confirmed this was the first online adoption scam reported at the institution and have filed a police complaint. A Child Welfare Committee official stated that such scams are recurring and stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the legitimate adoption process through CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) and the State Adoption Resource Agency. They emphasized that only these organizations should be used for adopting children.
First Piper 