Nanny scams are a growing concern, with scammers posing as genuine families to exploit nannies. If you’re a nanny looking for a job, you must know how to spot these scams and protect yourself.
This guide delves into identifying potential scams and understanding the warning signs to ensure your safety and security.
For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, check out our video on YouTube here. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more helpful tips and advice!
Trust Your Instincts
The first and foremost advice is to trust your gut instincts. If you ever need to ask someone if the family you’re talking to is real, it’s likely a scam. Whether it’s a friend, a nanny agency, or someone you trust, if you have doubts, move on to the next opportunity. Your instincts are often correct.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. Requesting Personal Information Upfront
A significant red flag is when a family asks for a lot of personal information before you’ve even met them. In the initial stages, they don’t need your social insurance number (in Canada), social security number (in the U.S.), address, or banking details. All they should need is your resume and to meet you. If they’re asking for more, it’s probably a scam.
2. Refusing to Provide Contact Information
Be careful of families who don’t want to give out a phone number or meet in person. One nanny shared that she was negotiating with two families online who refused to talk on the phone or meet her. Any real family would want to meet the nanny who will care for their child. Insist on a real conversation or meeting before agreeing to any position.
3. Limited Online Presence
Sometimes, you need to play detective. Research the person’s name online. Check how long they’ve been on Facebook, how many friends they have, and what information is available. Genuine families usually have some digital footprint. A lack of information can be a red flag.
4. Asking for Money
Never send money to potential employers. Real families won’t ask for money upfront for visa fees, background checks, or other costs. If these things are required, go directly to the respective companies to pay for them. At The Nanny Solution, for instance, we use a company called Certn for background checks, and nannies pay them directly.
Use Reputable Platforms
To further protect yourself, use reputable job platforms or nanny agencies. Agencies like The Nanny Solution screen families in advance, ensuring they are genuine. This layer of security isn’t available on general job posting sites.
Meet in Public Places
If you’re unsure but want to meet a family, suggest meeting in a public place like a coffee shop or restaurant. This initial meeting can help you feel more comfortable before agreeing to visit their home. Always inform a friend or family member about where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
Report Suspicious Activities
Always report any suspicious activities. Facebook groups have admins you can notify about potential scammers. If the admin doesn’t respond, it might indicate that the group isn’t well-monitored, and you might want to leave it. Reporting scammers helps protect other nannies from falling into the same trap.
Join Nanny Communities
Joining nanny communities is an excellent way to stay informed about current scams. Sharing experiences and staying updated can help you avoid potential pitfalls. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to handle scams.
Looking for a nanny job in Canada? Apply with The Nanny Solution.