Golly, That Doesn’t Sound Scammy At All!

I’m an English As A Second Language teacher. I started after college by working in South Korea for one year and Japan for two before returning to New Jersey, pursuing a Master’s Degree in teaching ESL, and becoming a full-time ESL teacher in a public school. I love my work.

This afternoon, I get a text asking if I’d like to work as an online ESL teacher. I need a summer gig, so I say I’m interested.

Scammer: “The job is to teach English online to children between the age of four and twelve years. You can choose your own schedule but would need to commit at least six hours a week. You will be paid about $16 to $26 an hour depending on your experience and qualifications. The company will provide you with the teaching materials required. By the way, do you have a bachelor’s degree?”

Me: “I have a Master’s in teaching ESL, and I am currently a full-time ESL teacher for a public school district.”

Scammer: “Great! What about a teaching certificate like a TEFL, TESOL, or an ESL?”

Me: “I’m certified by the state of New Jersey.”

Scammer: “Actually, TEFL is a major requirement. If you’re interested, I can get you a TEFL certificate from our Academy. It’s completely online, self-paced, smooth job application, multiple ESL jobs positions, globally-recognized certificate (ISO Certified), and it doesn’t cost much, as well.”

Me: “No, thank you. I have ten years of experience in TESL, a Master’s degree in TESL, and certification to be a classroom teacher by a state regulatory agency. If these qualifications are not sufficient for your client, as opposed to an online course, I’m not interested.”

Funnily enough, I haven’t heard back since.