{"id":5828,"date":"2015-06-05T10:12:35","date_gmt":"2015-06-05T14:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/?p=5828"},"modified":"2021-07-14T12:07:54","modified_gmt":"2021-07-14T16:07:54","slug":"beware-nanny-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/beware-nanny-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware of Nanny Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"bewareMost people are now aware that if they receive an email from someone claiming to be a Nigerian prince who wants to give them thousands of dollars in exchange for their bank account information, they know it\u2019s a scam. Unfortunately, many scams still exist that are not as well-known, and some of those scams target child care providers…so beware of nanny scams! These scams are usually done through email, or even online through sites like Craigslist.<\/p>\n

One that made headlines was when a University of Missouri student was bilked out of over $2,000, all because she thought she was getting a job as a nanny. According to an article from the Better Business Bureau<\/a>, the student used an online resource site that connects families with potential household employees. She was contacted by the scammer via email, and after some exchanges the job was offered. The student\u2019s bank account was wired a fraudulent check for $2,775, most of which was to be saved to buy a wheelchair for the scammer\u2019s son ($375 was a supposed advance on the student\u2019s pay). Later the student was informed that the wheelchair would be purchased elsewhere, and was instructed to withdraw $2,400 from her account and wire it to a wheelchair dealer in Texas. The next day, the bank informed the student that the $2,775 deposit was a fake, and now she had to pay back the bank the $2,400 that had been withdrawn.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not only those looking for employment that get scammed; families looking to hire someone have also fallen victim to scams from people pretending to be nannies. According to fraudguides.com<\/a>, these scammers develop a relationship with a family, convincing them of their eligibility to work in the U.S., and finally getting a job offer. But then the scammer will take advantage of the trust they\u2019ve built up, asking for money to buy their plane ticket, or for a sick family member, etc.<\/p>\n

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips on avoiding child care scams:<\/p>\n