Nanny GPS: Scams and warnings for nannies and au pairs

Check visa and work permits

Before applying to work in various countries, check the visa and work permits required for that destination country. Before accepting a job, and traveling to a country, make sure that you are eligible to work in that country.

Never send any money.

Unfortunately, not everyone is who they say they are. If a family asks you to send them money for flights or visas do not send money as this maybe a scam.

The family may introduce you to a 'travel agent' or 'visa agent' to work with you. Be very careful you are dealing with a registered business. These 'travel agents'/ 'visa agents' etc maybe part of the scam. Always be suspicious if anyone asks you to send money. Always manage your own travel and visa arrangements.

Always check references

Always ask for references. When checking references make sure you are ringing a genuine reference. For example, if calling a previous Au Pair or Nanny check they are genuine references. If this is the first time the family is employing an Au Pair or Nanny ask for alternative references, for example, a teacher from the child's school, a reference from the gym the family is a member of, the local church etc. Someone who can verify this is a genuine family. When calling references make sure you are talking to a genuine reference - check the number you have is the registered number for that school or business.

Trust your instinct

When dealing with 'the family' and you are unsure or uncomfortable with them, trust your instinct. For example, if the family is offering fantastic pocket-money, lots of time off, things that sound too good to be true, and cannot provide you with references or the information they give is inconsistent, then chances are they are not a genuine family. Check the family address and contact details are genuine - look them up in the local phonebook, or google them.

Before you accept any job or travel to stay with strangers you need to make sure that they are genuine.

Always let your own family and friends know where you are going

When traveling to stay with a family, aways provide the family address and contact details to your own family and friends so they know your final destination.

See some scam e-mail samples in here.