(Federal Trade Commission) The Federal Trade Commission is advising childcare providers of a current scam.
Providers have reported that scammers, posing as parents, are reaching out to child care givers by email, text, social media, or online stating they are new to they area and need immediate child care. The scammer offers a check in advance, which turns out to be made out for more than expected. A follow up claim is made, saying the overpayment was a mistake and asking for a wire transfer or app payment for return of the overage.
The FTC advises if you find yourself in such a situation, do not deposit the check. It will bounce, and if you send the money, you will be on the hook to repay the funds to the bank. Take your time with someone who you do not know requesting urgent child care, especially if they claim they are from overseas. If asked to return overpayments by wire transfer, payment apps, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, you’re highly likely dealing with a scammer.
Report any fraud attempt like this online at reportfraud dot ftc dot gov.
