Do you know these guys??

These people are usually dubious or are no longer accepted by au pair agencies due to breach of contract.

Some promise you the moon to lure you in. If you respond to them, you are completely at their mercy, and your au pair year or your future life could become a living hell for you.

Here are some important points you should definitely pay attention to:

1. Verify the offers: Reputable families usually find their au pairs through an agency and usually have a verifiable background. Don't be dazzled by seemingly perfect offers; research the families and their backgrounds thoroughly.

2. Contractual guarantees: If you are placed through an agency, all conditions are clearly defined, and you have support in case of problems. Unknown people on the internet often do not offer contractual guarantees, which creates legal uncertainties.

3. Personal Information: Never share personal information such as your address, telephone number, or financial information with unknown people. This information could be misused.

4. Meetings and Communication: If you meet someone who shows interest in you, insist on meeting in a safe and public environment. Avoid private meetings at the beginning to avoid compromising your safety.

5. Support Network: Keep in touch with friends and family members about your commitment. Inform them of your plans and keep them updated on your experiences. A strong support network can help you in difficult situations.

Remember: A safe and positive au pair year begins with an informed and ultimately protective decision. Don't be blinded by short-term incentives – your safety and well-being are the most important thing!

Your slave master awaits you...

Arab countries, in particular, have historically been unpleasantly conspicuous when it comes to working as a so-called 'au pair'.

A good friend of a neighbor's good friend had a great tip... and just two weeks later, they found themselves in deep slavery in some foreign land. The people's passports were confiscated and they were forced to perform forced labor under inhumane conditions. Of course, without pay. Quite a few paid for this ordeal with their lives.

The dangers are not limited to Arab countries. In other regions where there is no legally protected au pair program, applicants can also fall into the clutches of unscrupulous individuals. Unfortunately, there are many examples of people who have found themselves in exploitative situations – whether through false promises, fake contracts, or unclear job offers.

Other examples of risky situations:

1. Insufficient information: Some applicants have little information about their future host family or the country they are traveling to. This can lead to them being placed in an unfavorable environment.

2. High-cost offers: If an au pair program charges you high fees for placement or accommodation, this could be a red flag. Reputable programs generally do not charge exorbitant fees.

3. Missing Contracts: Reputable au pair programs should provide a clear, written contract that sets out all terms, rights, and responsibilities for both parties.

Tips and Safety Advice:

- Do Thorough Research: Inform yourself about the legal framework and au pair programs in the country you are applying to. Use official websites and testimonials from former au pairs.

- Inform friends and family: Keep your loved ones informed about your plans and contacts and stay in touch with them while you are abroad.

- Be careful when meeting in person: If you arrange a meeting with an intermediary, always do so in a public space and bring a trusted person with you.

- Secure your documents: Make copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Keep them in a safe place.

- Stay in touch: Stay in regular contact with friends and family so someone knows where you are.

Be vigilant and make responsible decisions. Your safety abroad should always be your top priority.

Be careful and don't be fooled by strangers lurking outside embassies, offering you supposed solutions for faster visa processing. These scoundrels use targeted tactics to lie to you and extort money. They approach their victims and promise to guarantee them a visa for their desired country or expedited visa processing. In return, they demand large sums of money.

They use part of this money to bribe security guards at the embassy entrance, possibly allowing them to enter the building half an hour earlier. However, this will not guarantee a fast or preferential visa.

In fact, au pair visas are readily granted without such machinations, as long as the relevant requirements are met and the documents are complete.

So you can save yourself the bribe altogether.

Additional security advice:

1. Do your research in advance: Research our FAQs and the embassy website for official requirements and procedures for the visa process and the required documents. You will find reliable information there.

2. Trust the official channels: The only way to apply for a visa is directly through the relevant embassy or consulate. Avoid communicating with third parties and applying for money through third parties. Our agency offers this service to au pairs free of charge.

3. Be careful with offers: Offers of "fast-track processing" or "shortening waiting times" are dubious. No amount of money can speed up the official procedures.

4. Don't be afraid to seek help: If you feel unsure or have any doubts, contact us or the agent who is looking after you.

5. Document everything: Keep copies of all your application documents and document any contact with people who make you questionable offers.

6. Be careful with cash transactions: Never give your money to strangers or through untraceable channels. Be suspicious if a payment is requested that isn't processed through official systems.

7. Keep your data safe: Never share personal information, such as passport details and addresses, with unknown people.

Protect yourself from fraud and illegality by being cautious and never succumbing to the temptations of strangers. Reputable, legal channels are the only way to embark on your au pair adventure.

Be especially wary of offers from host families that offer exceptionally high payments for au pair services. Such offers are often signs of fake offers or scammers looking to exploit young people from other countries for their own purposes. These scammers often try to obtain personal information in order to misuse it or even steal the victim's identity.

Additional warning signs and examples:

1. Unrealistic pay: Be skeptical if the pay is well above the average for au pair positions. A typical au pair salary varies by country, but a disproportionately high offer should raise red flags.

2. Insufficient information: If the host family is unwilling to share information about themselves or does not provide clear answers to questions, this could be a red flag. Genuine interest in working together always goes hand in hand with transparency.

3. Urgency: Scammers often rely on time pressure. If a family pressures you to respond quickly or sign a contract, this could be a sign of a dubious offer.

4. Unusual Payment Methods: Avoid offers that suggest unusual payment methods, such as payments via international money transfer services or cryptocurrencies. Reputable host families use standard bank transfers.

5. Lack of Trustworthiness: Check if the family has references or if you can verify their identity. Obtaining testimonials from other au pairs who have already lived with the family can be very revealing. If you're being hosted by us, we'll take care of this for you.

Safety advice:

- Do your research: Use trustworthy agencies to find host families. Avoid matchmaking portals that require you to publicly disclose your personal information.

- Meet in person: If possible, meet the host family in person or via video call. This gives both parties the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for the family and the situation.

- Trust your gut feeling: If something seems wrong or makes you uncomfortable, don't hesitate to decline the offer. Your well-being should always come first.

- Keep your personal information secure: Never disclose sensitive information such as account numbers, passwords, or full addresses until you are sure the offer is legitimate.

- Create a safety plan: Inform friends or family about your plans and give them all the necessary contact information. Regular updates can also be helpful.

By taking these precautions, you can better protect yourself and enjoy a positive and enriching au pair experience.

Ask yourself: "Why did the au pair leave their family?"

The reasons for such a change can be complex. Here are some common examples:

1. Poor communication: Lack of interaction or ignoring the au pair's concerns may have led to an untenable environment.

2. Excessive workload: The former au pair may have been overwhelmed by the amount of work required by the family.

3. Inappropriate behavior: In some cases, the host family's behavior may have been inappropriate or even offensive.

4. Cultural Differences: Misunderstandings or difficulties adapting to the new culture may have led to tensions that caused the au pair to leave the family.

5. Disagreements in Expectations: There are often discrepancies between what the family and the au pair expect, leading to conflict and dissatisfaction.

Tips for Evaluating a New Host Family:

1. Reviews: Look for testimonials and reviews about the family from previous au pairs. This can provide valuable insight into their practices and how they treat au pairs.

2. Ask for Reasons: Don't hesitate to ask the family directly why their previous au pair left. Their answer can tell you a lot about the family dynamic.

3. Set clear boundaries: Make sure goals and boundaries are established in advance. Be clear about what responsibilities you will be taking on and what is considered appropriate.

4. Watch for signs of pressure: If the family makes you feel like you urgently need a replacement, be a little cautious. Feeling overly pressured can be a red flag that problems exist.

5. Trust your gut: If you have a bad feeling about a conversation or exchange with the family, take it seriously. Your well-being is our priority.

Safety advice:

- Trusted sources: Only work with agencies that take measures to ensure the safety of their au pairs and host families.

- Check references: Ask for references from previous au pairs and contact them to get honest opinions.

- Meeting on site: If possible, organize a face-to-face meeting with the family to get a better idea of ​​the atmosphere and daily life.

- Create an emergency plan: Determine in advance what you will do in case of difficulties or inappropriate behavior. Be sure you know who you can turn to—whether it's friends, your agency, or even local authorities.

In general, it's crucial to be careful when choosing a host family, considering both your safety and your emotional well-being. Take the time to find the right family for you!

We, as your agency, are here to support you.

As an au pair, you face the exciting challenge of getting to know a new culture while being a valuable support to a family. However, it is essential to be wary of host families who are unwilling to pay the legally required minimum pocket money or who try to employ au pairs for a lower amount.

Why is this dangerous?

1. Insufficient payment: Families who are unwilling to pay the minimum pocket money often show little respect for your work and the responsibility you assume. This can lead to a poor working atmosphere.

2. Lack of appreciation: Such families often have unrealistic expectations and are unaware that au pairs are more than just "helpers." This can lead to excessive demands and stressful situations.

3. Legal Issues: In most European countries, there are legal requirements for the payment of au pairs. Failure to comply with these regulations can have legal consequences not only for the family but also for you.

What can you expect?

You can probably imagine that the expectations of such families are often exaggerated. Here are some examples of what you may face:

- Overtime without compensation: If a family is unwilling to pay the minimum allowance, they may also expect you to work more than originally agreed upon, without additional compensation for overtime.

- Lack of free time: Some of these families may try to restrict your free time or burden you with additional responsibilities, which can make your stay unpleasant.

- Emotional strain: These families are often emotionally demanding and may put pressure on you, leading to stress and discomfort.

Tips and safety advice:

1. Check your family carefully: Before you accept a family, do thorough research.

2. Ask for references: Don't hesitate to ask for references from previous au pairs. If the family is reputable, they should be willing to share such information.

3. Set clear boundaries: When negotiating your payment, be realistic and confident in your demands. Clarify all terms and conditions beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Trust your gut: If something about a family seems strange or suspicious, don't be afraid to continue your search. Your well-being should always come first.

5. Sign a contract: Make sure you have a clear and binding contract that outlines all agreements regarding pay, working hours, accommodation, and your responsibilities. We, as the agency, will arrange such a contract with your host family.

For example, the “good friend” who gives you great travel advice, lends you money, and later forces you to work to pay off debts for your trip.

It is of utmost importance that you focus not only on the host family while preparing for your AuPair stay, but also on the people in your immediate environment. Well-intentioned advice or seemingly helpful people can often become a real threat. Here are some points to consider:

1. Beware of the intentions of others: People who claim to be your "good friend" or "aunt" may actually have malicious intentions. They may offer helpful advice, but often their own interests are hidden underneath. It is important to be vigilant, especially if someone wants to lend you money or offer you "help" that is later repaid in the form of obligations.

There are numerous cases in which au pairs have been pressured by supposed friends to perform work that goes beyond their contractual obligations in return for financial support. Some have even been forced to pay off debts in extremely unfair ways.

2. Avoid debt: Even if someone helps you financially, whether it's buying a plane ticket or other expenses. Be aware that this can create a form of dependency. This could lead to a sense of obligation through debt, which can lead to a never-ending spiral of debt.

3. Be wary of "mild" offers: Offers that seem too good to be true are often not what they seem. Don't be tempted by short-term benefits.

4. "Supernatural" threats and manipulation through fear: In some cultures, people may use superstition or supernatural pressure to exert vanity as a way to control others. Reports of "evil spirits" or "dirty spells" aren't just stories - they can be real manipulation strategies designed to make you compliant.

Tips for Your Safety

- Talk to your agency or host family: The family you'll be staying with can often provide valuable information and support. Our agency can also arrange financing for au pairs' flight tickets upon request. There are no interest or fees for the au pair!

It's crucial that you continually inform yourself about the people around you. Friendship is important, but safety is a priority.