ANNAPOLIS – We want to make you aware of a scam that has recently been reported by several child care providers and the media.
Scammers are pretending to be parents who need child care right away. They may say they are moving to Maryland from another state or even from another country. They may contact you by phone, email, text message, social media, or online child care websites.
These individuals often offer to pay in advance and send a check to hold a space for their child. However, the check may be for more money than expected. They then claim they made a mistake and ask you to send back the extra money using a wire transfer, payment app, or another form of payment.
This is a common scam.
Even if the money from the check appears in your bank account, the check may still be fake. Banks often make funds available before a check is fully verified. If the check is later rejected, the money will be removed from your account, and any money you sent to the scammer will likely be lost.
Protect yourself by remembering these tips:
- Be careful when someone you do not know offers to pay in advance.
- Never send money back to someone because they overpaid.
- Wait until a check has fully cleared before using the funds.
- Be cautious if someone says they are moving from out of state or overseas and need child care immediately.
- Trust your instincts. If something does not seem right, it probably is.
Thank you for all you do to support Maryland’s children and families. Staying informed can help protect your business and your finances.