Scam Alert for Cleaning Businesses in AZ!

Just got a text from someone looking for cleaning services in Arizona, but it immediately felt off. The number had a Pennsylvania area code, which isn’t a red flag by itself, but then they hit me with this:

"I’m also talking to a handyman to do some general maintenance work at the house prior to your coming, but he doesn’t take credit card payments. Would it be possible to add his fees to the bill you’re covering so I can pay it altogether? Then, once it’s settled, you can send the payment directly to him via Zelle or CashApp. I’d also be happy to offer you a tip of $200 for the favor, including covering any credit card processing fees."

Yeah, no. This is a classic scam—they get you to front the money for a "handyman," then disappear once you’ve sent the payment. The "extra $200" is just bait to make it seem legit.

For anyone running a service business, never agree to pay third parties on behalf of a client. If they can’t pay their handyman themselves, that’s not your problem. Stay sharp out there!