Technology Safety: Protecting Yourself from Scams and Online Threats

Technology connects us with the world, but it also brings risks that can affect your safety, finances, and personal information. At AuPairCare, we want our au pairs and host families to feel confident navigating technology in their daily lives. That’s why we’ve pulled together essential tips to help you recognize scams, protect your accounts, and stay safe online.

Whether you’re receiving a suspicious phone call, transferring money abroad, or posting on social media, the right habits can keep you secure.

Phone Scams: Don’t Share Personal Information

Phone scams are one of the most common methods used by criminals to trick people into sharing personal details. Scammers may call, text, or use robocalls pretending to be from a bank, government agency, or even a delivery service.

Key safety tips:

Never share personal details like your Social Security Number, bank account, or debit card information over the phone.
Watch out for threats such as "legal action" or urgent payment requests; these are red flags.
Legitimate organizations will never ask for payment or sensitive information over an unexpected call, text or email.

If you’re unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using the official number on their website. You can read more on identifying phone scams from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Money Scams: Never Send Money to Strangers

Another major risk is money transfer scams. These often involve elaborate stories, such as someone claiming to be a relative in trouble or fraudulent online sellers.

Key Safety Tips:

Do not transfer money in advance to people you do not know.
Avoid using services like Western Union or MoneyGram for transactions with strangers. Scammers often rely on them because transfers are difficult to trace.
Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to send money urgently.

If you receive a suspicious request, discuss it with your host family or Area Director before taking any action.

Social Media & Online Safety

While social media helps you share your experience and stay connected, oversharing can expose you to risks. Scammers and strangers often use personal details from social networks to target individuals.

Best practices for staying safe online:

Check your privacy settings. Make sure only friends or approved contacts can see your posts.
Protect your personal details. Don't share your full home address, financial information or phone number online.
Ask before sharing. Never give out your host family's home address, financial information or phone number online.
Turn off location tracking. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram can reveal your exact location. Always double-check before posting.
Use Strong, unique passwords. Never reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a secure password manager.

Why Technology Safety Matters for Au Pairs

As an au pair, you’re in a unique position: you’re living in another country, building new relationships, and often using technology to stay connected with loved ones back home. This makes you a potential target for scammers who look for people who may not know all the local systems.

By following safe technology practices, you:

Protect your personal and financial security.
Build trust with your host family by keeping their information safe.
avoid unnecessary stress from fraud or identity theft.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Even when you’re careful, mistakes can happen. If you think you may have been targeted:

Stop all communication immediately with the suspected scammer.
Do not send any money or personal information.
Inform your host family and Area Director right away.
Report the scam to the FTC's fraud reporting site or your local authorities.

The sooner you act, the easier it is to minimize damage.

Technology is an amazing tool for staying connected, but it’s important to use it wisely. By learning to recognize scams, practicing safe online habits, and keeping your devices secure, you can protect yourself and your host family.

At AuPairCare, your safety and well-being always come first. Share these tips with fellow au pairs, and remember, when in doubt, pause and ask for help.