Hiring through a placement agency? What you should still verify
Placement agencies make hiring quick. They find a cook, a nanny or a caregiver within days. But when a stranger will be in your home, relying on 'the agency has verified' is not enough. A few of your own checks cost little and add a lot of safety.
Why it matters
Quality differs widely between agencies. Some do careful checks, others only collect an ID copy. If something goes wrong, the contract may leave you with little recourse.
Questions to ask the agency
- How do you verify staff? Ask for specifics, not a general answer.
- What documents do you hold? ID, address proof, photo, police verification, references.
- Do you check previous employers?
- What is the replacement policy?
- What are your fees and terms for early exit?
- Who is responsible if there is theft or harm?
- Can I speak to a past client?
What to check yourself
- Identity: see the original photo ID and match the face with the person.
- Address: the current and permanent address, with a phone number of a family member.
- References: call at least one previous employer.
- Police verification as per local rules.
- Health: relevant fitness for the role.
- Trial period: a few weeks with clear tasks.
Red flags
- The agency discourages you from checking or speaking to the worker directly
- Staff arrive with no documents
- Very high upfront fees with no written terms
- The worker's story differs from the agency's
Keep records
Keep a copy of the agreement, the worker's details and the agency's contact. Share the worker's name and photo with a family member.
Starting well
In the first weeks, be present when possible, set clear tasks and check in with the worker kindly. Good verification and a respectful start usually lead to a long, trusting relationship that is good for both sides.
How Praman helps
Praman by SatyaSakshi lets you verify placed staff on a short WhatsApp video call. The person shows ID, completes a face match and liveness check and shares address and references. Other checks, such as court records, can be added where enabled, and agencies can use it for bulk verification.
Frequently asked questions
Is the agency responsible for verification?
Agencies often say they verify staff, but practices differ. Ask for the details in writing and do your own basic checks.
What should I ask the agency?
How they verify, what documents they hold, their replacement policy and who is responsible if something goes wrong.
Can I verify staff myself?
Yes. A photo ID, address, references and a video or in-person meeting are simple to do.
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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