Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rudiger]

I'm currently weighing an offer to teach an after hours program at a public elementary school. The director of the program is western and very likeable and everything seems on the up and up. One thing does worry me though. I will have to open an account under my name but that I have no access to and the tuition from the students is to be deposited into this account. At first I saw this as a red flag but after talking to a few friends who have the same type of position with the bank account thing and have had no problems I'm much less worried. Still I'd like some input. The contract wording is this:

3.1 Duties and responsibilities of the employer:

3.1.3 Obtain and allocate the monthly tuition fee paid by the school.

3.1.3.1 Administer in good faith the bank account opened by the teacher for the transfer of these funds. (3.2.4)

3.1.3.2 Be responsible for all bank fees, administrative costs and taxes associated with this account.

I dont like the way that sounds but what do you guys think? also, the entire contract is posted in the contract stickie if you care to take a look.

[ChuckECheese]

Don't do it, man!

It's a scam.

[kat2]

This question comes up once a week at least. DON"T DO IT! Find another job. They are scamming you big time. You could also be responsible for serious tax and pension payments, as it will appear to the government that you are being paid the amount that goes into that account each month, not hte 2-2.5 you will really be recieving.

[babtangee]

They need to show that you are paying a (LARGE,) regular comission to them, for tax purposes. Otherwise, they are not declaring their earnings, and you are footing the tax bill. Clever dodgey-recruiter's idea that has become widespread. Not good for the foreigner if the tax man comes knocking though.

[gsxr750r]

http://www.efl-law.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=329


This has been a continuing problem. See link above.

[antoniothegreat]

if you were back home and someone asked you to do this, would you?

i sure as heck wouldnt.

dont leave yourself open like that, just too many risks. there are too many other jobs out there.

[rudiger]

yeah, i agree. i wouldnt do it back at home. but im in korea. and it does seem strange but other than taxes i dont see any other way to get screwed. they will be depositing my paycheck into my already existing account not this joint one. the worst that could happen is i would pay more tax than i should but even that seems remote. and if the tax man does come i have my pay stubs to show what i am making each month.
i knew everyone would hate on it but i dont think im the one getting scammed. seems the korean govt and schools are getting scammed.

[ChuckECheese]

[rudiger]

wow, chucky youre loads of help...

ive already read all the cautionary tales from previous posts. but i was hoping to hear from someone with actual experience of these "scams."
the handful of people ive talked to firsthand doing these gigs right now had nothing bad to say.

[spliff]

Don't even consider it...keep walking!

[xCustomx]

[khyber]

[rudiger]

I appreciate all your input. I obviously dont have it all figured out, hence why im posting on here. I was just offering my general impression. And there are obvious issues that need clarification before I even get close to signing anything. So again thanks for your help. And ill let you know what I find out.

[that guy]

Don't do it. Read this:

www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=82594

[laogaiguk]

BAD IDEA.