Monday Mailbag
Q: I found a job using an online site and met the family in person. We got along well, and I was offered the job a few days later. Shortly after the offer, I got a message from the family indicating they needed to verify my social security number, as part of the background check. Fair enough. A day or so later, I got another message about my background check, thus asking for my social again. Having nothing to hide, I submitted the background check request. After submitting it, the family decided to back out of the offer because they couldn't verify my social security number. " 'I hope you understand....we can't be too careful and leave our child with just anybody' "....This was a red flag, as I already presented the family with a copy of my background check in my portfolio. I understand that families want to know who is with their children, however, this seemed a bit odd to me, that they were persistent about very sensitive and personal information. The fact that they reneged on the offer of employment due to not having my social leads me to wonder if they had other motives. Is there a polite way to walk away from a family if this happens again?
A. I wouldn't say the family had motives, but I do agree that offering you the position and then backing out when they couldn't verify your social looks suspicious. Perhaps they were new to the site and weren't clear about background checks or they were first time parents who wanted to be sure their child was safe. Either way, what they did was not rude, but questionable.
Nanny scams are now part of the nanny industry. These scams can be found online as "members" seeking nannies, or they can be sent to you via message through an online site. Some even send text messages. The scam is obvious to spot with the trained eye, and the topic is a separate column in itself.
The best way to walk away from something like this is let the family know you appreciate their time and interest. You could follow up with stating that you understand they want their child/children to be safe and how they feel as parents. Let them know you don't feel comfortable giving out sensitive information unless a work contract is signed and that information is used for payroll purposes. (Nanny employers are required by law to take out taxes.)
Don't give up your search. Remember that a family wants the best for their children and nothing less. If something doesn't seem right during the interview or the family didn't ask many questions, consider that your sign to move on.
Got a question? Emanil: creativenannysolutions9@gmail.com
A. I wouldn't say the family had motives, but I do agree that offering you the position and then backing out when they couldn't verify your social looks suspicious. Perhaps they were new to the site and weren't clear about background checks or they were first time parents who wanted to be sure their child was safe. Either way, what they did was not rude, but questionable.
Nanny scams are now part of the nanny industry. These scams can be found online as "members" seeking nannies, or they can be sent to you via message through an online site. Some even send text messages. The scam is obvious to spot with the trained eye, and the topic is a separate column in itself.
The best way to walk away from something like this is let the family know you appreciate their time and interest. You could follow up with stating that you understand they want their child/children to be safe and how they feel as parents. Let them know you don't feel comfortable giving out sensitive information unless a work contract is signed and that information is used for payroll purposes. (Nanny employers are required by law to take out taxes.)
Don't give up your search. Remember that a family wants the best for their children and nothing less. If something doesn't seem right during the interview or the family didn't ask many questions, consider that your sign to move on.
Got a question? Emanil: creativenannysolutions9@gmail.com
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