Over the last 2months, we've had many phone calls from overseas caregivers asking about the procedures on how to process employment offers for Canada.  Upon questioning, we learned they had listed themselves in online au-pair or nanny matching sites, and have found someone that they really would like to work with; but there is something not right.

It appears that internet scammers are targeting au pair and nanny matching sites again.  This issue came up back in April of 2004, Nigerian scams target the big online au-pair sites in the US. Our agency from time to time comes across a nanny who have fallen victim to the scam mostly Filipino nationals located in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Philippines.

The scammers seems to use 2 methods:

Register as a family and then contact nannies pretending to be a wealthy host family who are really interested in employing the nanny and then as a measure of goodwill send a cheque or money order for the nanny's application & travel cost. (one way airfare from Asia is between 400-800 depending on if it's low/high season) The family sends a certified check for $2000 and later on say that the whole cost may only be $800.  The nanny's job is to keep the $800 and to send back the difference via Western Union or some other way.   The bank will receive a certified check, and may not hold the funds (as it is a certified check) the proceeds are available immediately. 

So the difference is sent back, but several days later the bank calls the nanny and says the check did not clear, was a fake or proves to be a fraudulent transaction.  Now the nanny owes the bank.

The other method:

Registers as a nanny with fantastic qualifications, references available and contactable. Nanny enters into a long exchange of emails with a prospective family ( to make it all look legitimate ), and usually they claim that they have all the requirements ready for submission to Immigration Canada - All the while giving hope to the family that the nanny will arrive on time. But at the last minute, request money to be sent using some excuse or another.  The family feeling the pinch of time - and sometimes feeling sorry/guilty, "we have the means" sends the money, in hopes that their nanny will arrive on time.

 NEVER, EVER send money to a stranger.

If you or someone you know is looking for a nanny or a nanny job, work through a reputable full-service nanny agency. Many agencies hide behind their websites, voicemail or P.O. Box number. You never know, if the agency has checked references.  A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc. have processed nannies/families through the live-in caregiver program since 2001.  All nannies are personally interviewed. The nannies are pre-screened before they are introduced to the families. No fraudulent applications to deal with and waste your valuable time.

Contact us:  Tel: 604 771 4159 www.a-pronannies.com