July 18, 1996
(Government Services and Lands)

Consumers warned about fraudulent job offers

Consumers in this province are being warned by officials at the province's Department of Government Services and Lands, about employment offers that sound too good to be true.

Trade practices officer Len Penton says many of these job offers are scams that will only cost you money.

Recently, apparent job postings in the airline industry have appeared in local newspapers but they are not what they appear to be, Mr. Penton says.

In fact, instead of "Airlines Now Hiring", as one classified ad stated, consumers who contact these companies may be asked to pay a fee, as high as $150, and will actually be only authorizing a company to send their resumes to companies in the aviation business for their future consideration.

Contacts made within various local and national airlines have indicated there have been more layoffs recently than hirings.

Consumers are being encouraged by Mr. Penton to "look before you leap into any commercial transaction so you know exactly what you are buying, especially where an ad is dressed up to look like a job opening."

Sometimes dishonest promoters will advertise outside their own province with offers which might include:

• jobs in other countries;
• get-rich-quick plans which appear too good to be true;
• a full-time income for part-time work, often at home and usually advertised in classified ads;
  
• high-income sales positions with no experience necessary; and
• great paying acting or modelling jobs.

Mr. Penton said: "One very common thread woven through all job scams is the promoter will always ask for money up front. Be suspicious of anyone who says there are jobs open and asks for money up front. "Any job may sound like a good opportunity for someone who has been out of work for awhile. But some are scams so we are advising consumers to ask a lot of questions and get good answers before signing anything or handing over any cash."

There may well be a few occupations which require a cash outlay. In those cases, the consumer should ask for and get a detailed outline, in writing, stating exactly what the fee covers. If such an outline cannot be provided, the job seeker should look for work elsewhere.

If you have any questions, consumers can call their Trade Practices Office in St. John's at (709) 729-2600; Gander (709) 256-1019 or Corner Brook (709) 637-2445.

Contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-3142.