Avoiding TEFL scams
Last updated: August 2025
Most TEFL employers are genuine, reputable organisations. But like in any profession, there are a few individuals who try to exploit prospective teachers for financial gain.
It’s important to be aware of some common scam warning signs when searching for a job. These signs don’t automatically mean a job is a scam, but they’re red flags and worth investigating further. Always carry out your own research into the school or company.
1. Employers requesting money
Most reputable employers will not ask you to pay money up front for any reason. A common tactic used by scammers is to request payment for visa applications or other paperwork. We strongly advise against sending money directly to any employer.
Legitimate employers typically cover these costs themselves, reimburse you on arrival, or clearly explain that the visa is your responsibility - in which case, you’ll apply directly to the authorities, not send money to the employer.
That said, some legitimate agencies and placement companies do charge fees for arranging internships or job placements. These are intermediaries, not employers, and their fees should be clearly explained in advance, with a written agreement and no pressure to pay quickly. Always research the company thoroughly before proceeding.2. Offers which seem too good to be true
If a job promises $3,000 a month in a country where most positions pay closer to $800, it’s probably too good to be true. A common scam involves a family claiming to have “just moved” to the UK or USA and needing a teacher. These adverts often offer £3,000-£4,000 and are written in poor English.
3. No interview or contract
Be cautious of any employer who offers you a job without speaking to you first, or who expects you to accept without seeing a contract.
4. Very poor English
If the advert or emails are written in noticeably poor English, it may indicate that the writer couldn’t consult a native speaker - a concerning sign if they claim to run an English language school.
5. Poor website imitations and strange domain name extensions
Scammers often create fake school websites using free or unusual domain extensions, like .tk or .tl. For example, a legitimate UK school would usually use .co.uk or .org.uk - not a domain from East Timor or Norfolk Island.
These extensions don’t automatically mean it’s a scam, but they’re more likely to be.6. Phone numbers or email addresses used in previous scams
A quick online search of the phone number, email address, or contact name can sometimes reveal if it’s been linked to previous scams.
7. Strange addresses or postcodes
Two examples we've seen:
– A university in Cameroon advertising its address as "Worldwide, Niagara Falls"
– A supposed London employer listing the postcode “M1K 5DA” – not a valid London or even UK postcode.Scam job sites
These red flags apply not only to employers, but also to job sites. Some fake sites post bogus job ads with inflated salaries. The ads often omit employer names and contact details, requiring you to pay to access the listings - which often lead nowhere.
Recap
The most important thing is to do your research before accepting any job offer. Talk to other teachers, and search online for the name of the school, contact person, email address, or phone number.
We strongly advise against sending money directly to an employer. If you decide to use a paid placement service, ensure they’re reputable, transparent about fees and services, and have positive independent reviews.
Finally, never send sensitive information such as your passport number until you’re certain the employer or agency is genuine and has a valid reason for requesting it.
If you're concerned about any job advert on Eslbase, please contact us - we're happy to help.More resources
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