If you've been in the TEFL game long enough, chances are you've either been scammed or ran across a scam at least once in your career. Truth is, scams for TEFL are just as common as with anyother online industry.
So how do you know if your dream job is a scam or not? Well, first of all, if it sounds to good to be true it probably is. I once had a job offer in England to privately teach an engineer and his family in exchange for free housing, a NICE salary, and a car of my own to drive. I was so hungry for work, I didn't think things through clearly and almost lost $1,200 in a scam had it not been for my loving cousin who checked the resources of my offer. Remember, if it sounds to good to be true than it most definatley is.
Second, if a possible employee asks for any kinds of money up front beware! Many scamsters will ask for money during your interview process. For me, after sending copies of my passport, visa, and a contract reimbursement document, my interviewer asked for $1,200 that would be given back to me upon arrival to prove to the governemnt that I would not be a 'burden' on it's society if I became jobless. Remember, you are going there to make money, NOT give it away.
Thirdly, never trust an employer who only contacts you solely via email. Some scammers are very shy when confornting their scammees that they refuse to speak via phone. If you can't even hear a voice, why would you trust them with your financial well being?
Do your homework on the company and check their website, or Google them. A great source of reliable information for legit TEFL companies is available at Daves ESL Cafe. Also, Craigslist is a good source for international jobs, but beware that there are several scam artists lurking in it's corners as well. Jobs usually posted on Craigslist are for teachers already in that country who already have a working class visa. Jobs on Craigslist usually don't do visa sponsprships of any kind. I hope this helps.
Best,
#mr.ford
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