So I wanted to reach out, because I do a lot of marketing for my nanny business on free-to-post websites out there. I use a couple different ones, but needless to say Craigslist is the main one.

Anyhow, I am pretty darn familiar with scams and how they usually begin, so I know to watch out for emails. But, I DO put my Google Voice (I highly recommend all child care professionals get a GV number to use if posting online ads!) number on the ad.

I got a text that at first seemed normal, 'I need childcare for my 6 year old boy' blahblah. I respond, they ask for my email. At this point I already know this is a scammer. I tell them they can email me via the Craigslist page. They respond saying they closed it and just took down my number. I then go to a website called protonmail.com and sign up for a FREE, ANONYMOUS email (you literally just type the email and password and a 'recovery' email if you WANT, that's it. Takes 3 seconds!), and give it to them. They email, it's a scam.

Take note of the 'NB:' part at the bottom of their email. The email I gave them has the initials NB, this was a 'custom' part of the email to make it seem more legitimate.

Just so you know; if ANYONE online asks you for your email instead of emailing your ad? They're likely a scammer. Do not give out your address and phone number to anonymous people on the internet!

Their phone number was; 469-378-0437. It googles as a real phone number, it is most likely spoofed or also using Google Voice or another proxy program.

The email read (bold is me);

"Hi,

Thanks for replying to my Ad They responded to MY ad. My name is Sydney Lucas. I recently moved from San Diego to Texas with my family but i'm moving to your area my area is where, exactly? on 1st of March and i will need a Babysitter for my son immediately. His name is Joe, 6 years old and the time would be from 9am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays only. This is a long term position but its fine to start temporary. Some weekdays are also flexible if you are available but we may need to discuss that in person. I'm willing to pay 18/hour. I believe its a great pay and i'm paying that much because i want quality care for my son. The start date is 4th of March

I lost my husband and a 4 months old baby in May. It was my late husband's birthday and he decided to take the kids out while i was still at work. Joe happens to be the only survival from the accident but he currently uses a wheelchair. I have had terrible times in the last few months and this is one of the reasons i have decided to move to your area because staying here brings back some sad memories. Kindly be honest if you have experience with childcare why would you be emailing me if I didn't have childcare experience... because i want the best care for Joe. I'm hard of hearing and can only communicate via writing, reading lips or text messaging. I hope that isn't a problem? I'm easy going and love to laugh. I can send you a picture of me and Joe in my next email.

It will be nice to read about you. I want a nanny who is willing to be a friend and family my ad is FULL of information about me, all my childcare information is included except references. Please note that i have a few applicants for this position but i made you our first choice so i wouldn't appreciate a waste of time I didn't apply. DING DING DING scam.. Make sure to include the Following

Your complete name: never give this out Full Address : never give this out Zip code : i mean whatever Cell phone number: google voice only until you've met IN PERSON!

In your response so i could check the map to read the distance between us uh you don't even know what area I live in, so you can give me YOUR address and I will do that for you :D also to have your address on file you can do that when I sign my i-9 employment forms! :D. You may ask questions in case you have any. I await your quick response. Thank you! Sydney Lucas . NB: Kindly send the necessary information to avoid waste of time."