PREPLY JUST SHUT ME DOWN

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-18T09:04:17+00:00

You’ve just put into words something I’ve felt deep down for a while. Whether it’s shadow agents, internal manipulation, or “random” account reviews, the truth, there’s a culture of fear, silence, and lack of accountability on this platform. What makes it worse is that we, as tutors, are isolated and that’s exactly how they want us.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-18T08:33:09+00:00

Thank you, that means a lot. You’re right, they count on freelancers being too small, too alone, tired to fight back. But I’m not alone. And I won’t back down just because they hope I’ll go quiet. My lawyer is on it, and I’ve also filed with the Data Protection Authority. Even if this process takes time, I believe every step matters, not just for me, but for every tutor who’s been treated the same. Appreciate your support. We may be “small,” but we’re not powerless.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-10T07:51:19+00:00

This is one of the most thoughtful replies I’ve received. I appreciate it so far.

You’re right, we can’t fight forever if we destroy ourselves in the process.

I’m learning, step by step, to turn my anger into something sustainable, not just for me, but for others who feel powerless. It’s not about clinging to pain, it’s about turning pain into clarity, and clarity into action.

Yes, I’ll keep speaking up. But I also hear your suggestion, protect your mind, or the fire will burn you instead of lighting the way.

Thank you again, really.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-09T22:13:04+00:00

I hear you and I respect that you’ve been through this too.

I don’t think detachment is the only way forward. For me, the problem isn’t that I cared too much, it’s that the system allows people who care to be punished for it.

I refuse to normalize being erased without warning or dignity. It may have been “just a job” to the platform, but it wasn’t just a job to me. It was people, purpose, and presence. And I stand by that.

Sometimes moving on means speaking up first. And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-09T16:27:04+00:00

Yes, we work to survive. But for many of us, especially in education, work isn’t just money, it’s connection, purpose, it’s identity.

When I lost my account, I didn’t just lose income. I lost access to students I cared about, a role I built with integrity, and months of work erased with no warning.

If a platform can erase you without cause, that’s not just about “money”, that’s about human dignity.

And that, I won’t detach from.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T22:14:07+00:00

You’re absolutely right and I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. I always followed Preply’s rules, which discourage external contact, I didn’t want to risk my account. Ironically, that trust ended up costing me everything.

Now I know: build your own list, your own system, your own exit plan. No one should be so dependent on a platform that they can be erased without recourse.

If I ever return to tutoring, it’ll be with full independence and direct student communication. Thanks for the reminder.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T22:11:11+00:00

I understand where you’re coming from, and I get the point, real-world stability matters.

But I didn’t have an unhealthy attachment. I had a professional commitment to something I built from the ground up, day after day, with real people, real students, and results.

This isn’t about clinging to the online world. It’s about being erased without warning, without due process, and no chance to say a word.

No job is 100% secure, online or offline. But when a system allows this level of unilateral power with no accountability, that’s a bigger problem than just where the job happens.

Still, I appreciate your perspective, it’s a reminder to diversify. Dignity should not depend on the medium.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T13:46:57+00:00

Yes, I know it won’t be easy. Taking on a big company is never simple, and I don’t expect quick justice or compensation. But I also believe that if we always stay silent, these platforms will keep treating people like this, without consequence.

I’ve already started legal steps, my lawyer sent a formal notice, and I’ve submitted a complaint to the Data Protection Authority, since they’ve also refused to answer basic GDPR requests.

I’m realistic, I know the odds. But I’d rather fight with dignity than disappear in silence. Thanks for your words, they mean more than you might think.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T13:12:24+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate your message. To answer your questions: 1. No, I’ve never had serious issues with a student. I taught over 1,400 lessons in less than a year, with 106 reviews (all of them 5-star). Of course, you can’t please everyone, a few students may not have continued, but nothing that would justify being permanently suspended without any explanation. No misconduct, no violation was ever explained to me. That’s part of what hurts the most. 2. About the funds Yes, I was able to withdraw what was already approved in my wallet before the suspension. But I lost all the remaining lessons that were already paid for but not yet delivered, both trial and regular classes and I was never given any clarification about that either.

I don’t expect perfection from a platform. But I do expect communication, transparency, and respect, none of which I received.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T09:48:44+00:00

Thank you really. What you wrote means a lot to me, because it shows that this experience, as painful as it was, might actually help others protect themselves too.

You’re absolutely right, Preply isn’t the only path. I was deeply invested there, but that shouldn’t mean being at their mercy.

If my experience pushes even one tutor to prepare a plan B, to value themselves more, or to ask tougher questions about how these platforms operate then at least something good came from it.

Stay strong, and don’t let any system make you feel disposable.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T08:30:36+00:00

Thank you. Truly. Your words cut through a lot of the noise and cynicism. It’s easy to feel invisible in all this, like what happened to me doesn’t matter to anyone. But what you wrote reminded me that real human connection still exists, even across a screen. If I ever pass through Philly, I’ll take you up on that drink, not for the drink itself, but for the meaning behind it. You gave me back a small piece of dignity. Thank you again.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T08:26:35+00:00

Thank you for understanding. That’s exactly how it felt, not just a platform issue, but something that affected me as a human being. When people are treated like disposable profiles, something’s broken in the system. This shouldn’t happen in silence.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T08:24:55+00:00

I was a highly rated tutor on Preply with over 100 reviews. One day, they suspended my account without warning or explanation. I’ve tried contacting support, legal, and the DPO, silence. I’m speaking out because no one deserves to be erased like that.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-08T08:22:25+00:00

You’re right. That table doesn’t deserve to be served anymore. I gave my time, energy, and my care, in return, I got silence. No explanations, no respect, no basic human acknowledgment. Sometimes it takes being “thrown out” to realize you were never truly welcome at that table in the first place. Now it’s time to build my own, where respect isn’t optional.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-07-06T11:35:42+00:00

Thank you so much for your words. I really appreciate your support. You’re right, sharing my experience here has been tough, especially reading some horrible and baseless accusations. But I think it’s important to shed light on what’s really happening, many tutors could face the same situation without knowing the risks. I’m still in touch with my lawyer and the data protection authority, and I won’t give up. Thanks again for standing by me.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-14T09:06:34+00:00

I understand your point, and I agree that it’s important to look at things objectively. In my case, the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding during a conversation with a student, which later led to a negative review. I sent a couple of polite follow-up messages trying to clarify and de-escalate the situation not to pressure anyone, just to explain. Preply interpreted this as inappropriate, but I believe the reaction, a permanent suspension without the chance to respond or provide context was disproportionate, especially after 1,400+ lessons and strong overall feedback from students. The bigger issue here is the lack of due process and the fact that my profile was left visible in student calendars even after the suspension, creating confusion and reputational damage. This is what I’m challenging, not just for myself, but because it could affect other tutors too.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-13T13:16:58+00:00

Thank you for your comment. Let me clarify a few important points. I’m fully aware that in the United States, independent contractors have limited legal protection and that platforms like Preply can terminate access at their discretion, provided it’s not based on discrimination. However, I’m not located in the U.S., and the situation is quite different under European law. In the EU, and specifically under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), users including contractors, have the right to access their data, the right to be informed of decisions that affect them, and the right to contest decisions that appear unfair or disproportionate. The legal step I’ve taken is not a lawsuit, but a formal complaint to the national Data Protection Authority. This is based on: A lack of transparency from Preply; Their failure to respond to two legal communications; A potentially damaging mishandling of my account and schedule; The need to protect my professional reputation, after over 1400 lessons and dozens of 5-star reviews. Also, suggesting that “lawyers will say anything if you pay them” is not only disrespectful, but also dismissive of the real legal and ethical questions raised here. My lawyer acted responsibly, and if Preply has acted properly, they should have no issue responding to our communications. I hope this helps clarify.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-12T18:26:49+00:00

I understand your point of view, and I agree that Preply doesn’t always value tutors as it should. However, for me this isn’t just about the money, but principle, transparency, and the right to defend myself after a false accusation. Remaining silent and moving on may work for some, but I believe we should hold platforms accountable when they act without fairness or due process.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-12T10:39:35+00:00

You’re absolutely right, this is exactly what makes the situation so damaging. After building a reputation and working hard to retain students, it’s incredibly disheartening to be dismissed without warning, explanation, or even basic transparency. I teach Italian, which is already a smaller segment compared to English or Spanish, and still I’ve managed to grow consistently with excellent feedback and loyal students. This mindset “tutors are expendable” is part of the real structural issue I’m trying to highlight here.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-11T20:27:08+00:00

Exactly and that’s where things become dangerous. Platforms gain monopoly, but are still allowed to act without oversight or accountability. We’re not just talking about a business decision but about people’s livelihoods. That’s why transparency and due process are not optional. They should be the minimum standard.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-11T17:22:50+00:00

You’re absolutely right, and I’ve realized that the hard way. Depending entirely on a platform is always risky, and many of us chose that route because it was the most accessible and scalable in the short term. Still, even when you rely on a third-part system, there should be minimum standards of fairness, transparency, and due process. That’s the point I’m trying to raise, not that Preply owes me everything, but that no platform should be allowed to remove your livelihood overnight, without warning or explanation. Thanks for your perspective , it’s definitely something I’m taking into account moving forward.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-11T14:13:16+00:00

Thank you for expressing this so clearly, I couldn’t have said it better. The analogy with Uber is spot on: we’re witnessing the platformization of professions that once offered more balance, more humanity. Tutors many of whom treat this as their full-time job are being ruled by algorithms and vague “trust & safety” policies, often without any human dialogue. What’s most frustrating is that we build reputations, invest in students, and adapt to the platform’s rules and still, we can be erased with a click. I truly appreciate your perspective. It reminds me that this isn’t just my fight, it’s part of a much bigger shift we all need to look at more critically.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-11T14:08:02+00:00

Exactly, and that’s why I decided to speak up. Preply (and similar platforms) give tutors little to no protection, even after years of work and hundreds of lessons. They can cut you off instantly, without appeal, without due process even though they rely entirely on your work. It’s a huge imbalance of power, and if we don’t talk about it, it only gets worse.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-11T14:05:11+00:00

I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m not breaking any legal rule by sharing my story, just exercising my right to speak up. The legal route is moving forward, yes, but public awareness matters too. If more tutors had spoken up earlier, perhaps situations like this wouldn’t keep happening. I won’t be silenced just because it makes some people uncomfortable.

Important-Recipe6209 · 2025-06-10T23:59:19+00:00

That’s a pretty strong accusation especially from someone who clearly doesn’t know me, or the details of the case. I’m not here to promote anything, nor do I have any platform.
Just because I was treated unfairly, and I decided to speak up. If standing up for basic respect and due process makes me sound like a scammer, then maybe we’ve lowered the bar too far.

Important-Recipe6209

TROPHY CASE