High riskJob

Nanny Job Scam

This scam offers a well-paid nanny or caregiver role, then sends a cheque for more than agreed and asks you to forward the extra for 'supplies'; the cheque later bounces and you lose the money you sent.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Overpayment job scam
Main red flag
A 'family' sends you a cheque for more than your agreed pay and asks you to send the difference back.
What to do first
Do not send any money on. Wait until a cheque has fully cleared, which can take longer than it first appears in your balance.

What to know first

This scam offers a well-paid nanny or caregiver role, then sends a cheque for more than agreed and asks you to forward the extra for 'supplies'; the cheque later bounces and you lose the money you sent.

Job and employment scams exploit hope and momentum with an easy "hire", work-from-home promises, and tasks that supposedly pay commission. The tell is the direction money flows: real employers pay you, while scams get you to pay in for training, equipment, or to "unlock" earnings, or to hand over bank and ID details.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A 'family' sends you a cheque for more than your agreed pay and asks you to send the difference back. Do not send any money on. Wait until a cheque has fully cleared, which can take longer than it first appears in your balance.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Overpayment Scam and the Fake Cheque Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Job Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

Fast-growing
business and job-opportunity scams are among the fastest-growing fraud types reported to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$10.3B
total reported US fraud losses in 2023 across all categories
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • A job offer with high pay before any real interview or meeting
  • A cheque sent for more than the agreed amount
  • A request to forward part of the money to a third party
  • Pressure to act quickly before the cheque has cleared
  • A family who avoids phone or video calls and stays vague about details

Staying safe

  • Wait until any cheque has fully cleared before spending or sending money
  • Treat requests to forward money to a 'supplier' as a strong warning sign
  • Verify the family through a video call and independent references
  • Ask your bank how long a cheque really takes to clear

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'So happy you'll be our nanny! I've posted a cheque that includes extra for the baby's supplies. Once it lands, please send $400 to our equipment supplier by e-transfer so they can deliver before we arrive.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A 'family' sends you a cheque for more than your agreed pay and asks you to send the difference back.

Steps if you already acted

  • Do not send any further money, even if pressured
  • Contact your bank immediately if you deposited the cheque or sent funds
  • Keep all messages, the cheque, and any transfer receipts as evidence
  • Report the scam to the job platform and your national fraud authority

Common mistakes

  • Do not forward money before a cheque has truly cleared
  • Do not share your bank login or full account details
  • Do not accept overpayment and 'refund the difference'

Scams like this one

High risk Bank & Payment

Overpayment Scam

A buyer, employer, or 'client' sends you a payment or cheque for more than they owe, then asks you to send the extra back. The original payment is fake or is later reversed, leaving you out of pocket for the refund you sent.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Bank & Payment

Fake Cheque Scam

A buyer, employer, or prize giver sends a cheque for more than you are owed and asks you to deposit it and send back the difference. The cheque later bounces, the bank reclaims the full amount, and you are left owing the money you sent on.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Job

Fake Job Offer Scam

This scam offers a job with little or no interview, then asks for upfront fees, personal documents, or bank details to 'set you up.'

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Why would a real family send extra money up front?
A genuine employer would not normally overpay and ask you to forward the difference. This overpayment pattern is a common scam used to make you send real money before a fake cheque bounces.
My bank showed the cheque amount, so is it safe?
Not necessarily. Funds can appear in your balance before a cheque truly clears, and it can be reversed days later, leaving you responsible for money you already sent on.
What if I already forwarded the money?
Contact your bank right away to report it and ask whether the transfer can be stopped or recovered. Keep all records, as acting quickly improves your chances.
How can I check a nanny job is genuine?
Insist on a video call, ask for verifiable references, and never send money to a new employer. Genuine families do not ask new staff to handle their funds before starting.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.