Applying for online teaching jobs can be daunting, especially with the threat of scams looming. Today, I’m shedding light on some of the less-than-reputable companies out there, hoping to arm you with the knowledge to avoid getting caught in their traps.
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Writalk: A Cautionary Tale
First up, let’s talk about a company called Writalk. They typically recruit teachers by posing as students on platforms like Allschool. I was recruited by them last year, and although they initially paid me as promised, their history is quite alarming.
Since 2021, Writalk has had a pattern of not paying teachers, only to later settle their dues and offer bonuses to lure teachers back. In late 2024, they received a hefty investment of $4.4 million, yet by December, teachers stopped getting paid again. Excuses ranged from issues with PayPal to bank account problems.
Despite some teachers being paid after pressure, it seems Writalk is plagued with financial issues. How a supposed multi-million dollar company can have such problems is beyond me.
Writalk has since paid teachers, but with their history of teachers (and staff) fighting for a paycheck- I would proceed with caution.
Translation Job Scams
Next, beware of translation job scams often targeting non-native English speakers in ESL groups. These scams promise big bucks for translating documents but end up either not paying or asking for money upfront.
One scammer even asked me to translate from English to English, which was a dead giveaway of their true intentions.
If you’re doing your own advertising for your private courses on places like Facebook or Xiaohongshu, you’ll come across these scammers as well. If they’re asking you to transcribe, I would advise you to walk away.
Usmart English: A Case of Deception
Usmart English made it to the list for their unethical practices. They recently shared a classroom photo featuring Abridge Academy’s curriculum with their logo pasted over it. When questioned, they lied about creating the curriculum themselves.
If a company can’t be trusted with small things, imagine the risks with bigger commitments.
MyCoolClass: The Cooperative That Wasn’t
MyCoolClass started with a promising cooperative model, giving teachers equal rights and a say in operations. However, the company failed to market to students, turning it into a Ponzi scheme of sorts.
Teachers paid membership fees with the promise of receiving marketing and training, but no efforts were made to attract students. Staff, including myself, were left unpaid.
ESL Teachers Hub: Professionalism Gone Wrong
ESL Teachers Hub, formerly known as Online Teachers Hub, provided stolen curriculum and payment processing services. They were notorious for unprofessional conduct, including publicly sharing personal information of teachers who questioned them.
Although they claim new ownership, it’s hard to believe given their history.
Dadi Coach: A Spammy Scam
Dadi Coach claims affiliation with ABC Mouse, but their business model is questionable. They sell ABC Mouse accounts at inflated prices and require a paid training to join their sales team.
After verifying with ABC Mouse, it was clear there was no legitimate partnership.
Protect Yourself
If you’ve encountered any shady online teaching companies, share your experiences. By doing so, you help protect other teachers from falling into similar traps.
Disclaimer: This blog contains my personal opinions and experiences. Always conduct your own research before engaging with any company.
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