06/08/2026
⚠️
Yesterday, I saw a Facebook post looking for a tutor for a med student who needed academic assistance. Since I already accept tutoring gigs, I commented on the post.
A person introducing herself as Teacher M. contacted me on Viber. She asked about my rates, and I told her my standard rate is ₱500/hour/student. She asked if I could give a discounted trial session for ₱400, saying the student had an exam the next day. Since it was urgent, I agreed.
After my clinic duty, I rushed to prepare a handout so I could teach the topics properly.
During the online session, I asked the student if Teacher M. was really their aunt because that’s how she introduced herself to me. The student initially said yes, although I already found it a bit odd considering the student is already in postgraduate studies. Still, we finished the session, and thankfully the student enjoyed it and even said they wanted to book another session.
Teacher M. told me she would be the one to pay my professional fee after the session, so I sent my QR code in our group chat. Although I originally quoted ₱500, she kept insisting on ₱400. Since I thought it would be a long-term arrangement, I agreed.
The moment I sent my QR code, everything changed.
She messaged me privately telling me not to ask for payment in the group chat. (See screenshots.)
A few minutes later, the student messaged me privately and admitted that Teacher M. was not actually their aunt, but only a middleman. The student also shared that they had already paid ₱6,000 for a tutoring service that Teacher M. would not personally render.
The student also told me that Teacher M. instructed them to pretend we were related because she allegedly knew me personally, met me through Reddit, and that I only accepted students I personally knew.
None of those claims are true. I have never met or spoken to this person before.
Looking back, I understand why I didn’t immediately suspect anything. She manages several tutoring groups and pages on Facebook, so everything initially looked legitimate and professional. It was only after everything happened that we searched her name and found multiple public awareness posts from other people describing similar experiences.
The student has already reported the GCash account that was used. According to them, that was the only mode of payment she accepted.
As for me, despite several follow-ups, multiple calls, and even offering a bank transfer instead, I still have not received the ₱400 for the tutoring session I already rendered.
I told her I would be sharing my experience so others could be warned. Her only response was:
“Go.”
I’m posting this not because of the ₱400. I can always earn that back. What breaks my heart is that the student reportedly lost ₱6,000, and based on the public posts we found, they may not be the only one.
Medical school is already stressful enough. Students looking for academic help and tutors trying to earn honestly shouldn’t have to worry about being taken advantage of.
If you’re looking for tutors or tutoring services online, please verify who you’re dealing with first. I hope sharing my experience helps prevent this from happening to someone else.
Screenshots attached for everyone’s awareness.
