Scammy emails for chess instruction

[Roger Patterson]

Any one else getting scammy emails asking for chess instruction (but what they really want is some info on how to "pay" you)?

[Hans Jung]

Yes, many over the years. I would respond" I dont do payment via email and if I don't know you we have to meet first time in person." Has always worked for me.

[Chris White]

I get this exact message from different email addresses every few weeks. I thought it was legit at first because I responded saying I was full and I would put them on my waitlist.


Hello, I hope this message finds you well.
I am interested in enrolling my children in Chess lessons. Could you please provide your location and the payment methods you accept? My kids are 12 and 10years old and are beginners with no prior experience. Additionally, I would appreciate information on the days and times that would be most convenient for you, as they are homeschooled and have a flexible schedule. Thank you, and I look forward to your reply.




barbaragklutz”

[Roger Patterson]

I get this exact message from different email addresses every few weeks. I thought it was legit at first because I responded saying I was full and I would put them on my waitlist.


Hello, I hope this message finds you well.
I am interested in enrolling my children in Chess lessons. Could you please provide your location and the payment methods you accept? My kids are 12 and 10years old and are beginners with no prior experience. Additionally, I would appreciate information on the days and times that would be most convenient for you, as they are homeschooled and have a flexible schedule. Thank you, and I look forward to your reply.




barbaragklutz”

yes, exactly that email off and on for the last year or so. Like you, I treated the first one seriously notwithstanding the slightly odd wording and emphasis on how to pay but the 2nd email made it obvious.

[Vlad Drkulec]

I haven't seen any of these but a few years ago I have one person who would pay me by cheque written by his lawyer but it had to be for an amount significantly more than my usual rate. If I could just refund him the difference between the face amount of the cheque and the amount actually owed the universe would be in balance.

[Chris White]

I have received a new batch of these in the last few days. And an interesting response when I asked Gemini if it looked like a scam (never heard of that scam tactic before):

subject: Private Chess lessons for my 3 kids
Hello Coach,

My name is berry I would love to enroll 3 of my kids for a Chess lessons. Please what's your availability and where are you located. You can text me on my number +1 318-252-7381. Looking forward to hearing from you

Best regards

Berry

Private Chess lessons for my 3 kids

Here is what Gemini had to say:
Yes, this absolutely looks like a scam. It is a classic variation of a very common phishing and check-fraud template targeting independent instructors, coaches, and tutors.

Here are the major red flags present in this message:

1. The Generic Greeting ("Hello Coach")

Scammers blast these emails out to thousands of people at once by scraping directories. Because they are copying and pasting, they rarely use your actual name. They use a generic title like "Coach," "Tutor," or "Instructor."

2. The Multi-Child/Vague Request

They almost always mention wanting lessons for multiple children (usually 2 or 3) right away. However, they give zero details about the kids—no names, no ages, and no mention of their current chess skill level. A real parent usually provides some context about their children's experience.

3. Grammatical Errors and Odd Phrasing

"My name is berry I would love to enroll 3 of my kids for a Chess lessons." (Uncapitalized name, missing punctuation, "a Chess lessons").

The sign-off line "Private Chess lessons for my 3 kids" at the very bottom looks like a copy-paste error from the subject line or notes folder they are using to manage their scam templates.

4. Immediate Push to Text / Take It Off-Platform

They are immediately trying to move the conversation to text (⁠+1 318-252-7381⁠). Scammers do this to get your phone number for future spam/phishing, and to move away from email platforms that have strict spam filters. Note: The 318 area code is for northern Louisiana, which rarely aligns with where the target coaches actually live.

5. Asking "Where are you located?"

If they actually found you through a local listing, a local club, or a specific directory, they would already know your general location.

How This Scam Usually Plays Out (The "Overpayment" Scam)

If you reply, they will likely agree to whatever rate you propose without hesitating or negotiating.

1 They will say they want to pay for a massive block of lessons upfront (e.g., a month or two in advance).

2 They will send you a certified check or cashier's check that is accidentally written for way too much money.

3 They will frantically message you, claiming a "coordinator error" or a "medical emergency," and ask you to deposit the check and wire/Venmo the excess balance back to them or to a "private driver" who is supposed to drop the kids off.

4 Days later, the bank discovers the original check is fake. The bank removes the full amount from your account, and any money you sent back to the scammer is gone forever.

Recommended Next Steps

Do not reply and do not text the number.

Mark the email as Spam/Phishing in Gmail so their system can flag the account.

Block the sender.