I have heard of this scam a couple times so I thought I would do my part and put the word out there. 

Youll get an email from a parent like this:

From: Paul Oxley <pauloxley85@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Tutor

Hello,

I’m Paul, During my search for a lesson teacher that would help in taking my son (Kenneth) During is stay in your location. I found your advert and it is very okay to me since you specialize in the area I’m seeking for him, My son would be coming to your city before the end of this month for a period of time with his friend, I’ll like to know if you can help in taking him for the lesson? just to keep him busy and refresh. Kenneth is 11 years old, So kindly let me know your charges per hour/lesson in order for me to arrange for his payment before he travels down to for the lessons to commence.

He will be staying there for 2 weeks and Please Reply back on:

(1). Your charges per 2 hours (3 times a week for 2 Weeks):starting from 17th November until 30th November 2017

(2) Total Cost For 6 class/12 hours lessons in 2 Weeks

(3). The Day you will be available to teach him During the week:

Well am very happy that i see you as my son tutor and about your years of Experience there is no problem about the lessons, My son will be coming with his caregiver. So there is no problem for the lesson to commence by next week, my son caregiver will be bringing him to your location for the lessons and you can teach him anywhere around you including the Library or your home if that is okay by you so i will like you to teach my son the best of you when he get to the city for the lessons. I will like you to email me with your schedule for the lessons,I will like you to email me with the name on the check and Full mailing address where
the check will be mailed to and including your Home and Cell phone number for my attorney to issue out a check to your before leaving the the state, by this week, I will be awaiting to read from you soon with your name and address.

What happens after is that they mail you a fraudulent check and when you try to cash it, your bank dings you. 

The email above was sent to my husband and when my husband responded he doesn’t teach beginners, the scam artist first said John could teach his 18 year old daughter. Then he asked for the names of other teachers, which I can only assume he’d try to scam. 

How do you know it’s a scam?

1. Their command of the English language doesn’t sit right with you. Misspelled words and random capitalizations are a clue.

2. Lacking specifics. Do they call you by name? Do they mention your instrument? Do they know what city you live in? People truly searching for a teacher will know and mention these things. 

3. The lessons are only for a week or two and multiple times a week. A real student will want a lesson or two. 

4. Payment is sent ahead of time and will almost certainly be for more money than you requested. They will then ask for you to send them back the overage. Not only are these checks fraudulent but your bank will penalize you for depositing a fraudulent check. .

Have you discovered any ways to combat scammers? Let me know in the comments!