Job Search
One place to encounter scams is while searching for jobs. You DO NOT have to
pay for information about job vacancies or employment opportunities with the federal
government, including the US Postal Service. Offers of federal job opportunities
that request a fee are SCAMS.
Here are some basic tips for spotting scams:
- The company guarantees to find you a job or scholarship. Even
a “money back if you are not satisfied” offer won’t help if you
can’t reach the company.
- High up-front fee is required. Requiring high up-front costs
are how job search scams make their money.
- Carefully review any contracts before paying any money. Know
exactly what you will be getting for your money; do not rely on verbal representations.
- Take your time. Do not let anyone rush you into making a commitment.
- Beware of previously undisclosed government jobs. All federal
government jobs and most state jobs are publicly announced.
- If you are considering doing business with a job-finding company check their
record with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com).
If you want help finding a job, there are six basic types of service companies or
agencies that can help:
- Public employment agencies. These federally-funded and state-funded services
are offered in all states. Internet access is available at
www.jobbankinfo.org for information in any state or
www.jobs.state.nm.us for New Mexico job information.
- Private employment agencies. This type of agency brings employers and applicants
together. This type of firm may charge a fee to the employer, successful applicant,
or shared between the two.
- Executive search firms. This type of company is hired by businesses to find
the right person for their particular need. These firms are frequently referred
to as “headhunters.” Fees for this type of service are paid by
the company seeking the applicant.
- Temporary help services. This type of service supplies workers on an “as
needed” basis. The company that hires the service pays the service which
in turn pays the temporary worker.
- Executive counseling services (or career counseling services). This type of
service may offer skill identification and evaluation, resume preparation, letter
writing, and other general assistance to help guide and prepare an individual seeking
employment. Typically the individual seeking the counseling services will be
required to pay a fee for the service even if a job is not found.
- Job listing services. This service requires payment in advance and provides
lists of jobs in the U.S. or abroad. This service does not provide actual job
placement.
There are a variety of free and low-cost resources available to help with your job
search:
Work-at Home Opportunities
Being your own boss is tempting. When
you see a sign around campus offering you an opportunity to earn thousands of dollars
for little effort you may rush to sign up. Unfortunately, many of these offers
are not what they seem. Some involve high costs to you to even
get started. Some consumers have lost thousands of dollars to deceptive offers. Before
you sign up ask the following questions of the offer promoter:>
- What specific tasks will I have to perform? Ask for a list.
- Will I be paid a salary or is the pay based on commission?
- Who will pay me?
- When will I get my first paycheck?
- What is the total cost of the work-at-home program? Are there supplies or equipment
that must be purchased, if so, what is the cost? Are there membership fees?
Check out the business opportunity with the Better Business Bureau, the New Mexico
Attorney General’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office or consumer
protection agency in the state where the business opportunity is based. It
is important to remember that an absence of complaints does not necessarily imply
that the business has not had problems since unscrupulous operators may change names
to hide past complaints.
Business Opportunities
When searching for a job, beware
of advertised business opportunities that are potential scams. Here are some
tips to help you avoid a scam:
- If the “opportunity” claims buyers will receive a certain income, ask
for the number and percentage of previous purchasers who achieved that income level. If
the earnings potential is given but the likelihood of actually attaining that income
is not also revealed, the offer may be violating the law.
- If the opportunity being offered costs $500 or more the seller must back up the
earnings claim in a written document. If the opportunity costs under $500 you
can ask the seller to put the earnings information in writing.
- Study material provided, particularly the franchise disclosure document. The
FTC Franchise Rule requires the promoter to provide information about the company
as well as whether it has faced any lawsuits from purchasers or lawsuits alleging
fraud. The FTC requires promoters of business opportunities to provide potential
purchasers with names, addresses and phone numbers of at least 10 previous purchasers
who live closest to the potential purchaser. If instead of previous purchasers
you are offered references, check them out because references may be phony.
- Check out the business opportunity with the Better Business Bureau, the New Mexico
Attorney General’s Office, and/or the Attorney General’s Office or consumer
protection agency in the state where the business opportunity is based.
- When a business opportunity involves selling products from well known companies
it is important to contact the legal department of those companies to confirm that
the business opportunity and its promoter are affiliated with the well known company.
- You might want to consult an attorney, accountant or other business advisor before
committing to a business opportunity.
Don’t be rushed. High-pressure sales tactics are a tool of scam artists
who want you to act now and avoid researching their offer.