One of the most dangerous scams in recent years is the babysitting and Au-Pair positions. Advertisements are listed on various media offering these positions, almost always overseas. Good wages, air fare, and other enticements are offered.
When an ad appears there is usually a telephone number to call and a resume’ requested. Since the resume’ reveals everything about a persons life, this document should not be provided until an interview is scheduled. It can, sometimes, be just another way of getting the information needed for identity theft.
In an interview for a job of this kind, the interviewers are usually well dressed, talk in a cultured voice, and paint the picture of a carefree job, at top pay, with lots of time to investigate the countryside. The scammers prefer women with little or no contact with relatives.
If one questions why they do not hire someone from their own country, their usual response is that they want someone more fluent in another language to help their children. This may or may not be true. It is extremely important that, in these interviews, the prospective employee ask questions regarding all aspects of the job as well instead of just answering personal questions. Scammers do not like this and, if they seem reluctant to answer, the job should be declined.
Many of these overseas jobs attract young women looking for travel and excitement. When they arrive they sometimes find sordid conditions and are, virtually, slaves to families. In extreme situations they have even been sold into white slavery.
Once on a foreign shore, with little or no money, a woman is virtually helpless and dependent on their employer for survival. For this reason it is extremely important the people offering the employment be thoroughly investigated. That is why its important to use telephone look-up services such as http://tele-search.com/California in able to verify if the caller is really whom he or she says.
Another scam with babysitting and Au-Pair job offers is to ask for money for the airfare. This is often under the excuse that it would be a problem for the person to get into their country but they, the employer, can make arrangements with no problem. Of course, with money in hand, the scammer disappears.
If, after investigation, the person accepting the job feels that it is legitimate they should be sure there is someone who knows all the details who will check on them should they not be heard from for a time. Also, upon arrival in a foreign country, they should contact their countrys Embassy, prior to meeting with the employers, so that they are also aware of their presence. Every precaution should be taken to assure safety especially when in a foreign country.