Don't get ripped off by hiring firms

As a company that values its reputation highly, we would like you to know….. In a tight job market, you might be attracted to hiring agencies that guarantee you a job. Be aware that you are vulnerable to individuals and companies who are well aware of your vulnerabilty and are all to willing to take advantage of it.

The Federal Trade Commission would like you to know that you should…..

Beware of hiring agencies that promise you results. They may charge you high up front fees, misrepresent their services or promote out-of-date or fictitious job openings. These practices are against the law.

Beware of hiring agencies that ask you to dial an 800 number. Some ads may direct you to call a toll-free 800-number. Once you’re connected, you may be switched to a pay-per-call 900-number without your knowledge, or you may be asked to call a 900-number without a proper fee disclosure. This is also against the law.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sues businesses that fraudulently advertise employment openings and guarantee job placement. Consumers who respond to these ads think they’re contacting a bona fide placement service that’s seeking candidates to fill specific jobs. Instead, they’re reaching a business that rarely helps consumers get employment through its “services.” To make matters worse, these businesses invariably charge advance fees — ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars — for their “services,” typically imposing the fees without consumer approval, or promising — falsely — that most or all of the fees ultimately will be refunded.

Where to complain…

If you have a problem with an employment-service firm, contact your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, the appropriate state licensing board, or your state Attorney General.

If you have problems with charges on your phone bill for 900-number calls to fraudulent businesses, contact your telephone company immediately. No phone company is obligated to delete the charges, but you should ask. Call your carrier or the Federal Communications Commission for policy information.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.