Safety First: Essential Background Checks and Verification Guide

When inviting someone into your home or traveling to a new country, trust is everything. At AuPair Bureau, we believe safety starts with transparency and rigorous verification. This guide outlines our multi-layered approach to security and what you can do to ensure a safe match.

1. Our Verification Process

Every profile on our platform undergoes a series of automated and manual checks before going live:

• Identity Verification: We cross-reference government-issued IDs with profile data to ensure users are who they say they are.

• Contact Validation: Email addresses and phone numbers are verified via OTP to prevent spam and fake accounts.

• Profile Review: Our team manually reviews profile descriptions for inappropriate content or red flags.

2. Background Checks Explained

While we verify identities, we strongly recommend that host families request a formal criminal background check from their potential au pair. This document (often called a 'Police Clearance Certificate') proves the candidate has no criminal record in their home country.

3. Interviewing for Safety

Video calls are your best tool for spotting inconsistencies. We advise at least 3 video interviews on different days. Ask specific questions about their experience, daily routine, and childcare philosophy. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

4. Verify References Personally

Don't just read written references—call them. Speaking directly to a former employer or host family gives you unfiltered insights into the candidate's character and reliability. Ask about their greatest strengths and how they handled stressful situations.

5. Secure Communication & Payments

Never send money via wire transfer services (like Western Union) to someone you haven't met. Scammers often ask for advance fees for 'visas' or 'flight tickets'. Always keep your communication on our platform until you have established a solid relationship and signed a contract.

Safety is a shared responsibility. By combining our platform's tools with your own due diligence, you can create a secure and rewarding au pair experience for everyone involved.