Sunday Newscape Magazine

(NAPSI) - If you're looking for a job, you may see ads for firms that promise results. Unfortunately, some firms may misrepresent their services, promote outdated or fictitious job offerings, or charge high fees in advance for services that may not lead to a job.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says scammers advertise jobs exactly where legitimate employers do--on popular Web sites, in the classifieds and even on TV. The ads sound promising, whether it's for hourly work or an executive-level job. But ads placed by scammers come with a twist: You have to pay--and then, there's no job.

Many con artists are good at what they do. They can sound very convincing, especially when your defenses are down. They may say they have a job waiting for you…or they might guarantee to place you in a job. But you can't believe the promises--even when you want to. Legitimate companies won't guarantee you a job.

The FTC urges job seekers to be aware of the red flags that may signal a job scam:

• If an employer or employment-service firm wants you to pay--even if it says it's for certification, training materials or for its expenses placing you with a company--don't do business with it. Legitimate employers and firms don't ask you to pay for the promise of a job.

• Some listing services and "consultants" write their ads or phone scripts to sound like they have jobs waiting for you. The truth is, they're only selling information about looking for a job--information that's generally available for free.

If you've been the victim of a job scam and paid someone for a job that didn't exist, the FTC wants to hear about it. Complain to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Watch a new video, "How to File a Complaint," at www.ftc.gov/video to learn more. Letting the FTC know about your experience can help put an employment scam out of business. For more information and to watch an educational video, visit www.ftc.gov/jobscams.