INDIANAPOLIS – Childcare workers and babysitters are being targeted in a new scam making its way across the state.
Teresa Davis, owner of Teresa’s Childcare on Indy’s southwest side said scammers are constantly reaching out to her, many times after she posts ads on Craigslist, hoping to gain new clients.
Davis said many of the “parents” contacting her live out of town and want to pay in advance, without ever meeting her.
The childcare owner said one of the biggest red flag is the person only wants to contact via email.
Davis recently received this message to her phone:
“Hello, can you care for my daughter in your place for one month...please reply direct to my email”
“That's telling me that's a scam," said Davis.
She began replying to those messages with “scam,” to prevent being contacted again.
Craigslist isn’t the only place known for childcare scams. Care.com has direct warnings on its website about them.
For victims who continue to communicate with scammers, they are sent large checks. Scammers ask the childcare provider to send some of the money back and keep the rest. Eventually that check bounces and the money is lost.
“It’s ridiculous. People will scam for everything now days,” said Davis.
If you operate a daycare, Care.com recommends the following:
· Meeting all clients in person
· Be wary of those who say they are relocating to the area
· Don’t accept check, money order or wire transfers from someone you haven’t met
· Never send money to potential clients
