Cops: Astoria woman ripped off couples with 'surrogate' scam

ASTORIA, Ore. – Astoria Police arrested a woman Sunday whom they claim bilked desperate parents in New Zealand and elsewhere into thinking she was carrying their child as a surrogate mother.

Audrey Magallon, 31, of Astoria was arrested on Theft 1 charges and another violation unrelated to the surrogate case.

Police said Magallon entered into an agreement with a couple in New Zealand who paid her $2,000 in cash to carry their child as a surrogate mother. The unidentified New Zealand couple also sent Magallon “biological materials” according to police.

Investigators said Magallon claimed she had successfully impregnated herself and sent the couple picture of positive pregnancy test and reports from doctors who had never seen Magallon.

Police said she also sent the couple ultrasound images from her own children that were doctored to show they had been recently obtained.

While investigating the New Zealand couple's case, police were contacted by a second couple in Washington who told police they had an experience with Magallon that was similar.

Police searched Magallon’s home and seized evidence in the case. Investigators think there could be more victims and are asking anyone who may be a victim to call them at (503) 325-4411.