Warning signs while hiring domestic help
Hiring a cook, a maid, a driver or a caregiver is a decision based on trust. Most people who work in homes are honest and hardworking. But a few warning signs, noticed early, can help you avoid a bad hire. Be alert and fair at the same time.
Why it matters
Domestic workers have access to your home, belongings and family. A mistake can mean theft, harm or an unsafe situation for children or elders. A few minutes spent noticing the signs at the start is worth it.
Warning signs in documents
- No ID, or an ID that looks edited or does not match the person
- Different names on different papers
- No local address, or an address that cannot be confirmed
- References who cannot be reached or who sound rehearsed
Warning signs in behaviour
- Reluctance to share contact details or a family member's number
- A story about previous jobs that keeps changing
- Asking for a large advance on the first day
- Unusual curiosity about valuables, schedules or when the house is empty
- Avoiding questions about why they left earlier jobs
Warning signs with agencies
- Pressure to hire at once
- No written terms or receipts for fees
- The agency refuses to share the worker's documents
- Promises of 'complete verification' without details
What to do
- Verify identity and address before they start.
- Call references yourself.
- Start with a trial period and clear tasks.
- Share the worker's details with a family member or neighbour.
- Keep valuables secure without making it personal.
- Be respectful, treat them fairly and pay on time.
Good treatment, clear terms and fair pay also reduce problems. A worker who feels respected is more likely to stay and to be honest.
How Praman helps
Praman by SatyaSakshi lets families and agencies confirm a person's identity on a short WhatsApp video call. The worker shows ID and completes a face match and liveness check and shares address and references. Other checks, such as court records, can be added where enabled, and a reviewer approves the report.
Frequently asked questions
Does a warning sign mean the person is dishonest?
No. It means ask and verify. Many honest workers lack paperwork.
What should I do if there is no ID?
Ask for any valid ID and a local reference. If the person cannot provide any, consider waiting or using a reliable agency.
Should I watch the worker at home?
A trial period with clear tasks is reasonable. Be fair and respectful, and avoid secret surveillance that breaks the law.
Related: how Praman handles this for businesses · all instant checks
Check before you trust, with SatyaSakshi Praman
A WhatsApp link, a short video call with consent, and a report reviewed by SatyaSakshi investigators.
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