Scams and Scammers

Over the last few months it has become obvious that someone is using Helping Hands Children's Home's name as a way to scam people out of their hard earned money. In July we started getting emails and messages from people in the States who had seen advertisements in Craig's List about a child that was up for adoption at our orphanage (who advertises for adoption on Craig's List?!). Since that time we have had a constant supply of emails, people desperate to find out if it was legit. Basically these scammers were saying that they could adopt a child through us, the contact name being Father Christopher. They are told to Western Union $500 to start the process, then another $3,900 after that to cover all the costs. You would not believe how many people have already given the down payment, and some even the final payment. And what is crazy is that the pictures the scammners are sending are of white kids... I'm not quite sure how people fall for this. If anyone did a second of research on Cameroon they would know it is pretty much impossible for a foreigner to adopt unless they are actually living in country and willing to give up months if not years to the process. But scamming is on the rise in West Africa (all those Nigerian princesses!). We've know quite a few people who have had some pretty crazy stings happen to them. 

It got really bad when we realized that these con men had copied our exact website, except for the mailing address and the donate button (it went to their own money website). Thankfully my internet-savvy-brother was able to get that shut down in a few hours but, at the end of the day, they could just make another one again. Their email address is helpinghandchildrenhome@gmail.com.... frustrating! Jake has emailed them a few times but to no great success. We have contacted the American Embassy to let them know too. Our biggest concern is that someone will think that we are the scammers and assume that there really is no orphanage. 

For a few nights I was furious: how could someone be so base to scam vulnerable people wanting to adopt children in need (and using our name to do it!)? But I've let it go now. It is only by the saving grace of Jesus and His mercies, that I am not in the same pit.  For now, we just cast our cares on the Lord and pray that these people will come into His marvelous light.

So, if there is anyone out there that has been contacted by these people, DO NOT SEND THEM MONEY. Helping Hands Children's Home DOES NOT adopt out children. Cameroon, in general, does not allow children to be adopted out of country.