Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chopsticks]

I'm trying to make sense of the second bank account requirement. My new job required that I create an account using a set password to hand over alongside a signing stamp in my name. I work for an afterschool program that is strongly intertwined with the host school's regular administration so am thinking that this procedure is legitimate.

It just kind of rubs me the wrong way to know that student money is being put in an account, and then moved around and manipulated, all under my name (images of money laundering do come to mind). And what are the potential consequences that could affect me in the future?

I know that other teacher's have to do this as well and I am therefore wondering if anyone out there knows what this is all about.

[BigBuds]

Don't do it!!!!

It's illegal for one, and two, it's an old scam that is used to get around paying tax, at least for your employer.

You on the other hand, end up being legally responsible for your tax payments and your employer's tax payments. This effectively, doubles, if not more, you tax obligations.

Honestly, who in their right mind would open a bank account then give their PIN number and password to someone else. It's just asking for trouble.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Yes, there is something fishy going on.

[ChuckECheese]

You're the laundry boy for your boss's money.

[dulouz]

Search "Hamilton Schools" for a good background.

[rothkowitz]

Scam.

[RachaelRoo]

I am in the exact same situation as the OP.

It's an after school program in the public school system which is administered by a third party.

The way it was explained to me is that the public schools don't want to deal with the administration of the program so they've contracted a third party to do it, but because they aren't really allowed to hire third parties, it all has to go through my account.

I was not happy with this, so I began asking questions and the third party promised to give me something in writing stating what is happening and they have said that they will cover all the taxes.

It's through the public school, so that gives the program some legitimacy and I don't want to outright refuse, but I am not comfortable with this. I just don't know enough about Korean laws and the tax system to find out for myself if this is a good idea. Things are done differently here.

If anyone else has any experience with this situation I would really like to speak with you via PM or on this thread.

I think I should add that the third party is NOT Hamilton.

[rothkowitz]

If someone trots out that

"This is how things are done here"

line,that's merely MORE reason NOT to trust them.

[Milwaukiedave]

I agree with what others have said. Don't do it.

[chopsticks]

Thank's everyone for the advice.

Here's the problem.... I've already done this. One day afterwork my Korean co-teacher and I were instructed to go down to a specific bank and we had to do this ASAP. We had been collecting student money for a week and we had to have some place to put it. Nothing else was explained very well, just that after-school programs are always administerd this way.

So now I'm not sure what to do. I like the idea of getting something in writing stating that my employer is responsible for any potential repercusions.

Anyone else in this situation?

[kprrok]

[CBP]

Even if they're somehow, in some strange way, legally justified to do this, one question begs to be asked: Why are they unable to open an account themselves? And here's a scenario to consider: Your name is now legally tied to the school's name in a way that significantly differs from that of an employee. If money goes missing from that account, who is the most likely candidate to be blamed?

There's enough work in Korea that I'd extract myself from that situation ASAP and go elsewhere.

[purple_buddha]

Here are a few links regarding after school programs:
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=64118&highlight=after+school+program+programme
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=57919&highlight=after+school+program+programme
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=62144&highlight=after+school+program
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=51119&highlight=after+school+program
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=58271&highlight=after+school+program
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=58086&highlight=after+school+program

The second bank account is a tax scam, and I can't believe there are scumbags still peddling this crap. A high income tax rate like 6 or 7% is another red flag.

Use extreme caution before signing with any after school program. Some are legit, but some will have you owing back taxes and dealing with other legal/immigration headaches.

[jmbran11]

Whenever an employer tells you "this is the way it's done in Korea" (especially regarding money), it generally means "I'm doing something shady, and I don't want to have to explain myself to you."

Whenever I asked my shady former boss why the numbers didn't add up or why my "official" pay was substantially lower than my actual pay - the response was "That's how it's done in Korea. Don't worry!"

Now that I work for a totally legitimate employer, I am NEVER told that. If I question anything, the answer is explained to me, and the math always adds up. Korea is not a third world country - the taxes, insurance, govt. reports, etc. all make sense (well, okay that may be stretching it, but it's not incomprehensible). If you get the shady vibe, something isn't right. Stand up for yourself and gauge the reaction. A defensive reaction means something is wrong. If it's all legit, someone will explain it to you calmly and comprehensibly because he/she has nothing to hide.

[Kimchieluver]

They do this kind of thing all the time. I haven't heard of anyone getting in trouble over it (yet). Do what you feel most comfortable with.