The Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) recently reported on an old scam with a new twist. Let’s call it the “Nanny Scam.”
How the Nanny Scam works
Craigslist would be a good place for this to begin. The other option would be an email from someone claiming to be a recruiter. The recruiter will claim that there’s a position open, may have you complete an application or send a resume, then will hire you without an interview.
In a version known as the “overpayment scam,” the scammer will send you a large check, ask you to make a small purchase, then ask that you wire some of the money back. He’ll tell you to keep the excess as payment for your services. In the “pay in advance” version, you’ll receive a check as advance payment.
In both cases, the check you receive is a fake. It may take several weeks for your bank to notify you that the check is a fraud, but once they do, you’re on the hook for any of the money you’ve withdrawn or spent. The other problem is that by cashing the check, you’ve exposed your banking information to the scammer.
Clues to spot the Nanny Scam
- Unusual language and incorrect grammar or punctuation are common signs of a scam.
- An urgent deadline with the need for you to make a quick decision.
- Any request to wire money or send a money order is a dead giveaway something is not right.
- Being hired without an interview or other normal processing should also be a clue that the offer may be a scam.
How to avoid the Nanny Scam
- If the person claims to be a recruiter, look the company up at bbb.org.
- Don’t give out personal information until you’re sure the position is legitimate.
- Insist on a personal interview. Meet in a public place and ask to see the ID of anyone claiming to represent a recruitment company.
- Some positions are more likely to be scams. Always be wary of work from home, secret shopper, or even caregiver positions. If a job doesn’t require special training or licensing, it becomes an easy lure in a scammer’s ads.
