If you’ve ever looked for a babysitter or worked as one, you’re probably familiar with the dozens of ways you can connect online. From message boards to sites dedicated to connecting families with childcare providers, the options are endless. However these popular sites can be used to take advantage of caregivers. Be on the lookout for scams and frauds on these sites.
How will I know?
Now a days most caregivers are initially contacted by potential matches online. Most people using these sites are truly looking for nannies or babysitters, but some prey on innocent caregivers.
This is how a common nanny or caregiver scam happens: A person approaches you looking for a caregiver saying they do not live in the area yet, but will be moving soon. With a very convincing story, they will ask you to purchase supplies or medical equipment needed for their loved one. They will give you a check to cover the costs, but ask you to make the purchase through a third party right away.
However, after making the payment, the check and the third party turn out to be fake and the transaction takes place too fast for banks to realize what’s going on. So you’re out the money before the bank realizes the check is a phony.
What to do?
Protect yourself. Don’t get involved in an unknown transaction and don’t send money to someone you’ve never met. Services like Western Union and MoneyGram are legitimate, but can be used illegitimately in scams like this.
If you know someone tricked by this scam report it to the company:
- MoneyGram: 1-800-666-3947 (1-800-955-7777 for Spanish) or at moneygram.com
- Western Union: 1-800-448-1492 (1-800-325-4045 for Spanish) or at westernunion.com
Also, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and the website where the contact occurred.
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