Safety, scams and red flags

Scam patterns to recognise

The commonest one: a warm, fast-moving family who offer generous pocket money, then ask you to pay a 'visa processing fee', 'insurance deposit' or 'agency registration' up front — often via bank transfer or crypto. There is no legitimate version of this.

A second pattern: an overpayment cheque you are asked to deposit and partially refund. The cheque bounces days later and the refund is gone.

• Refuses a video call, or the 'call' is always audio-only
• Writes in near-identical language to other profiles
• Pushes you to move to WhatsApp or email immediately
• Offers unusually high pay for unusually few hours
• Any request for money, bank details or passport scans early on

Red flags in a genuine family

Not everything unsafe is a scam. Watch for a family who won't put hours in writing, who describe duties that grow every time you ask, who have had four au pairs in two years, or who become irritable when you ask practical questions.

What families should check too

Ask for references and actually call them. Verify the language level on a call rather than trusting a certificate. Ask about any gaps in the last two years. And never hand over sole charge of your children before a proper in-person settling week.

Before you fly

Send someone at home the family's full names, address and phone number, a photo of your visa and passport page, and your return flight details. Keep enough money accessible for a flight home. Know the emergency number in the host country.