Some of the clients are looking for cheap labor through the internet for housekeeping. I usually tell the person to call me back for interview finish. Then I would tell them that I am self-employed and they would need to file a 1099 for taxes to IRS.

I use Craigslist, and screen the applicants carefully including background checks. I also recruit from local nursing schools. Gave up on Care.com long ago.

Got a text message from a private number not being from care, and he asked for me email etc. Should I be cautious with this type of inquiries?

We subscribed to this site for 30 bucks for the year and they have live updates. http://www.caretaker.org/ we found a lot of help when we had a homestead years ago and I got some gigs that were temporary too. Straight up honest folks who own the site and the people posting wanted ads are from all over the world and the USA. Posting your own ad isn't that expensive either. Some offer trade for housesitting and others pay wages. It was worth it for us. Stay away from Care.com no matter what. Check local Domestic Staffing Agencies too.