Letting a stranger access your home, handle your finances, and pick up sensitive items requires serious vetting. Before hiring an errand runner, you need to confirm they are who they say they are and capable of doing the work safely and honestly.
Check Their Background & License Status
The first step is verifying that an errand runner has a clean background. Request a copy of their background check—most reputable errand runners have already completed one through third-party services like Checkr or Sterling. Look for clearance specifically related to any theft, fraud, or financial crimes. If they refuse to provide proof or claim they haven't had one done, that's a red flag.
Next, confirm whether they need a license in your state. Some states require background screening and licensing for people who handle cash or access private homes. In California, for example, private investigator licenses aren't required for basic errand runners, but some cities require bonding. Call your state's Secretary of State office or search your county clerk's database to see what's mandated in your area.
Verify Insurance & Bonding
A legitimate errand runner should carry liability insurance and be bonded. Bonding protects you financially if they steal from you or cause damage; typical bond amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000. Ask to see proof of both—a certificate of insurance and a bond certificate directly from the bonding company. If they claim they're "just a solo operator" and don't carry either, that means you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
Call the insurance company and bonding company directly using contact numbers from the certificates (not numbers the errand runner provides). Verify the policy is active and covers the services they'll be providing, especially if they'll be driving your car or accessing your financial accounts.
Validate References & Reviews
Request at least three professional references from customers they've worked for in the past six months. Don't just email them—call or video chat. Ask specific questions:
- How long have you used them?
- Did they always show up on time?
- Did they handle sensitive tasks (banking, picking up prescriptions) responsibly?
- Would you trust them with keys to your home?
Beyond personal references, check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. Look for patterns—one negative review might be an outlier, but multiple complaints about lost items, poor communication, or reliability issues suggest a real problem. Be wary of profiles with only five-star reviews and vague comments; that's sometimes a sign of fabricated feedback.
Verify Identity Documents
Ask the errand runner to show you a government-issued photo ID—driver's license, passport, or state ID—in person. Record the name, photo, and ID number. You can then run a simple background check through public record sites like BeenVerified or TruthFinder ($20–50 for a basic report) to confirm the ID matches their name and address.
If they'll be driving, request a copy of their valid driver's license and check it against your state's DMV records to confirm it's current. Some errand running platforms like TaskRabbit and Fancy Hands already vet their runners and handle this for you—using a platform like this is an easy way to skip much of the legwork.
Assess Their Professional Setup
Legitimate errand runners maintain basic professional infrastructure. They should have:
- A dedicated phone number (not shared with roommates or family)
- A clear written service agreement outlining scope, rates, and cancellation policy
- A reliable scheduling system (calendar app, CRM, or platform integration)
- Clear communication about what tasks they will and won't do
Request a sample service agreement before hiring. Red flags include vague terms, no cancellation policy, or cash-only payments with no receipt. Use digital payment methods (Venmo, PayPal, credit card) that create a paper trail and offer buyer protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if an errand runner asks to handle my PIN or login credentials? Most trustworthy errand runners will ask you to change temporary passwords after they complete the errand or will use authenticated payment apps instead of handling direct access. If they insist on keeping your passwords, find someone else.
Q: How much does a background check cost, and who pays for it? Professional background checks through legitimate services cost $15–40 per person. The errand runner should have already paid for their own; if you need to verify independently, expect to spend $20–50 on a third-party report.
Q: Can I hire an errand runner through a service platform instead of vetting independently? Yes—platforms like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted errand running service providers in one place, and they handle much of the verification upfront.
Start by requesting references and verifying background clearance before you hand over your keys or payment information.