WORD TO THE WISE: Beware of phony federal job listings

Perhaps you've seen the advertisements in the classified section of the newspapers advertising job vacancies with the U.S. Government or U.S. Postal Service. Scam artists behind these ads offer for a fee to help job seekers find and apply for federal jobs. Some companies try to confuse consumers by using names that sound like government agencies, such as, "U.S. Agency for Career Advancement," or the "Postal Employment Service." Consumers should know that information about federal job vacancies are available free from the federal government.

Federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service never charge application fees, sell study guides for job tests or guarantee an applicant will be hired. If positions require a competitive examination -- and many do not -- the federal agencies doing the hiring usually offer free sample questions to applicants who sign up for the exam.

To help you recognize federal job scams, the Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission, suggest you be aware of the following types of ads or techniques used by scam artists.

Ads that offer information about hidden or unadvertised federal jobs.

Ads that refer to a toll-free phone number. Often in these cases, an operator encourages you to buy a valuable booklet containing job listings, practice test questions and tips for entrance exams.

Classified ads, online ads or telephone sales pitches that imply an affiliation with the federal government, guarantee high test scores or state that no experience is necessary.

Toll-free numbers that direct you to other pay-per-call numbers (like 900 numbers) for more information. Under federal law, any solicitations for pay-per-call numbers must include full disclosures about the cost of the call. The solicitation must make clear if there is an affiliation with the federal government, and give you a chance to hang up before you incur any charges.

There are many ways that scammers can take advantage of job-seekers, but the BBB suggests you save your time and money. Contact the agency that interests you directly or visit its website to see if positions are available in your area and to obtain the necessary application forms.

If you have questions about a company's advertisement for employment services, need a BBB business review or need to file a complaint, visit the BBB at bbb.org.

Kelvin Collins is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia and the CSRA Inc., serving 41 counties in Middle Georgia and the central Savannah River area. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the Council of Better Business Bureaus. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at 478-742-7999, www.bbb.org or by emailing info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 9:27 PM with the headline "WORD TO THE WISE: Beware of phony federal job listings ."