American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 6 Episode 4 Baby Broker Scam

In this episode of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals season 6, we delve into the world of surrogacy and the dark side of the baby brokerage business.

The episode begins by introducing us to Tina Johnson, a woman struggling with infertility who turns to a surrogacy agency in the hopes of starting a family. However, instead of finding a reputable agency, Tina unwittingly falls victim to a baby brokerage scam.

The baby brokerage business operates by matching potential surrogates with adoptive parents, taking hefty fees for their services. In Tina's case, she is matched with a surrogate named Mary, who is promised $22,000 for carrying Tina's baby. However, the baby brokerage agency takes a cut and the amount Mary ultimately receives is far less.

As the episode progresses, we learn that this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the shady practices of the baby brokerage industry. We meet other families who have been ripped off by similar scams, including one couple who paid over $100,000 for a baby that was never delivered.

We also meet the mastermind behind the Baby Broker Scam, a woman named Carolyn Jones. Jones is a charismatic con artist who preys on vulnerable couples desperate for a baby. She sets up two separate baby brokerage companies, both of which she uses to defraud clients out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Jones' scam involves taking payments from both the adoptive parents and the surrogate, promising to use the money to pay for medical expenses and other costs associated with the surrogacy process. In reality, Jones uses the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and vacations.

The episode also explores the legal and ethical implications of the baby brokerage industry. Surrogacy is a complex process that involves legal contracts and medical procedures, and the lack of regulation in the industry leaves many vulnerable to being scammed.

The story of the Baby Broker Scam ultimately serves as a warning to those considering surrogacy or adoption. It's important to do your research and work with reputable agencies to avoid falling victim to these types of scams.

Overall, this episode of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals sheds light on the dark side of the baby brokerage industry and the devastating consequences it can have on those hoping to start a family.