"Send money for supplies first." The family wasn't real.

I had posted online that I was looking for babysitting work, and a “family” replied with a warm message about two kids and a steady schedule.

They sent a contract PDF and asked for a video chat that never quite happened—always a last-minute conflict.

Then they said they would mail a cheque for supplies, or I should buy gift cards up front and they would reimburse on my first day.

I sent the money they asked for through the channel they chose; the “start date” was only days away.

Fake babysitting scams reuse the same script: build trust, invent kids, then extract upfront fees or fake overpayment returns.

When the date arrived, the number was dead and the email bounced; there were no children and no job.

Between messages I told myself turning down supply money would make me lose the only gig I had lined up, so I ignored that real parents usually meet sitters in person first.

I stood outside the address they had given for a meet-and-greet; the intercom belonged to someone who had never heard of the name on the contract.

The cash I sent was gone; I filed a police report and felt foolish telling friends, but reporting also turned up others hit by the same template.

I do not send money for supplies or accept cheques to “refund” to strangers I have not met through a verified channel.

• Never pay upfront for babysitting “supplies” or wire back part of an employer cheque to a stranger.
• Meet families through trusted agencies or references; report fraud to the FTC (US) or your national line.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.