How to spot au pair, nanny, and sitter scams
The clearest scam warning is pressure to send money, documents, deposits, visa fees, travel costs, or bank details before proper verification. Slow down if a story feels urgent, emotional, or too good to be true. Keep messages on-platform, use video calls, verify identity and references, and never bypass platform safety steps.
Common red flags
Requests for visa fees, agency fees, travel money, deposits, or emergency payments before verification.
Refusal to video call, inconsistent identity details, or documents that do not match the profile.
Pressure to move immediately to private messaging, email, or payment apps.
Overpayment, cheque, parcel forwarding, or money-transfer stories.
A role or candidate that seems unusually high-paying, urgent, or perfect with no normal screening.
Safer process
Keep early communication on-platform.
Use a video call before sharing documents or addresses.
Verify references independently.
Do not send money to someone you have not properly checked.
Use written agreements and platform reporting tools.
Scammers target both families and candidates. Families may be asked to pay fake processing fees; candidates may be offered fake jobs or asked to handle money. A legitimate match can wait for normal checks.
Follow-up questions
Is it safe to move from platform messages to WhatsApp?
Use platform messages until identity, references, and the basic arrangement are clear. Moving too early makes reporting and evidence harder.
Should a candidate pay visa fees to a host family?
No. Be very cautious of anyone asking a candidate to send money to a host family or unofficial intermediary for visa processing.