Recently, we’ve seen an increase in fraudulent “businesses” reaching out to caregivers with offers that may look appealing but are actually scams. These messages can be convincing, but there are key warning signs that can help you spot and avoid them. While at Care.com we use advanced automated tools to identify and remove scammers, these tools aren’t always 100% effective, so it’s still important to take prudent precautions. 

Red flags to watch for

• Inflated pay rates
  If the pay seems unusually high for the type of job being offered, be cautious. Scammers often lure caregivers with unrealistic wages to catch your attention.
  
• Quick to message
  Scammers often contact caregivers right away and then pressure you to switch to personal texting or messaging apps. This is a red flag. Staying on Care.com keeps your messages protected and makes it easier for us to step in if something looks suspicious.
  
• Check the business name
  Always verify whether the company or recruiter is legitimate. A quick online search can reveal if the business is real—or if others have flagged it as fraudulent.
  
• A job too good to be true
  If the role sounds overly flexible, with little detail about responsibilities, or promises perks that seem unrealistic, it’s a red flag. Remember: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
  
• Hidden contact information
  Some scammers type out phone numbers or email addresses in unusual ways (e.g., “call me at eight three two four six one five eight nine three”) to avoid detection. Be cautious if you see this — it’s a sign they’re trying to bypass platform safety protections.

What you can do

• Pause before responding. Don’t feel pressured to reply immediately.
• Verify details. Check job postings, business websites, and company reviews.
• Never share sensitive info. Don’t send your bank account, Social Security number, or copies of IDs in response to an unsolicited message.
• Report suspicious activity. If you receive a questionable job offer or recruiter message,  report it to us right away (see How do I report a safety concern?)

Why it matters

Your vigilance doesn’t just protect you—it helps us protect the entire Care.com community. By spotting and reporting these fraudulent job offers, you’re helping stop scammers from targeting other caregivers.