Medium riskJob Scams

Online Tutoring Job Scam

In this scam, a tutoring 'platform' or student recruiter offers easy online teaching work, then charges for required software, training, or registration, or sends a fake check for equipment and asks for money back.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee / fake check (job)
Main red flag
A tutoring job that asks you to pay for software or training, or sends an overpayment check.
What to do first
Do not pay fees or move check funds; verify the platform independently first.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a tutoring 'platform' or student recruiter offers easy online teaching work, then charges for required software, training, or registration, or sends a fake check for equipment and asks for money back.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'You're approved to tutor! Purchase our required teaching software ($120) to start, or deposit this equipment check and send $400 to our supplier.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A required fee for software, training, or registration
  • An equipment check that overpays, with money to send back
  • No real interview or verification of your qualifications
  • Contact mainly through chat apps
  • Pressure to pay or act quickly

What to do

  • Verify the tutoring platform independently and read reviews
  • Never pay upfront fees to start a job
  • Do not move funds from a check until it fully clears
  • Report suspicious offers to the platform and authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid a fee, dispute it with your payment provider
  • If you sent check funds, contact your bank immediately
  • Keep all messages and receipts as evidence
  • Report the recruiter or platform

What not to do

  • Do not pay for required software or training to be hired
  • Do not send money from an uncleared check
  • Do not share bank or ID details with unverified recruiters

Similar scams

Medium risk Job

Job Training Course Scam

This scam promises a guaranteed or high-paying job once you pay for a 'required' training course, certification, or starter kit, then provides little of value and no real job at the end.
High risk Job

Background Check Fee Scam

This scam offers a job conditional on paying for a 'mandatory background check', 'screening', or 'credentialing' through a specific link or service, taking your fee and personal details for a role that does not exist.
High risk Job

Fake Job Offer Scam

This scam offers a job with little or no interview, then asks for upfront fees, personal documents, or bank details to 'set you up.'

Frequently asked questions

Do real tutoring platforms charge me to start?
Reputable platforms do not require you to buy software or pay registration fees to begin teaching. Such requests are a warning sign.
They sent a check for equipment. Is that normal?
An overpayment check with a request to send part back is a classic fake-check scam. Do not move the money until it has truly cleared.
How do I verify a tutoring job?
Research the platform independently, look for genuine reviews, and confirm details through official channels before paying or sharing data.
I paid for the software. Can I recover it?
Dispute the charge with your payment provider, keep your evidence, and report the platform.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.