Nanny GPS: Scams and warnings for families

Never send any money

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

If an Au Pair or Nanny asks you to deal with a 'travel agent' or 'visa agent' on their behalf 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.

Look at alternative approaches to sending money. If you and your Au Pair have agreed to split the cost of a round trip ticket. Perhaps you can reimburse the Au Pair after arrival and once you are happy with your choice. Most of our Au Pairs have arrived on a single ticket and we've often paid for the return flight for the Au Pair.

Always check references

When checking references make sure you are ringing a genuine reference. For example, if calling a previous family check the family is listed in the phone book. If calling a school for a reference check the number you are calling is the main number for that school or business.

See some scam e-mail samples in here.