Nanny / Caregiver Advance-Payment Scam
A 'family' hires you as a nanny or caregiver sight-unseen, sends an advance check for supplies, and asks you to forward part of it — the check is fake.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You apply for a nanny, caregiver, or personal-assistant role and a 'family' relocating to your area hires you quickly without meeting. They send an advance check to buy supplies or pay a 'vendor,' then ask you to send some of it back or forward it to a third party (a mover, a special-needs supplier). The check bounces later and you are out the money you forwarded. Genuine families interview in person or by video and do not send checks to forward money.
What it usually looks like
- A caregiver job offered without meeting, from a 'relocating' family.
- An advance check for supplies or equipment.
- A request to forward part of it to a third party.
- Warm, urgent messages to build trust.
Common warning signs
- Being hired without any interview or meeting.
- An advance check plus a forward-the-money request.
- Payments to third-party 'vendors' or 'movers.'
- Reluctance to video chat.
Example wording scammers use
“We're relocating and would love to hire you! We'll send a check for supplies — please forward $700 to our movers.”
“Deposit the advance and send the balance to our special-needs equipment supplier.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- You to forward real money from a fake check.
- Your trust via a family story.
- Possibly your personal details.
What to do
- Never forward money from a check an 'employer' sent.
- Insist on a video or in-person interview.
- Do not accept jobs that hire you sight-unseen with advance checks.
- Report the offer.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank about the check and any transfers.
- Keep all evidence.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.