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Avoiding Job ScamsFrom USAJOBS HelpInformation on job opportunities within the Federal Government is provided free of charge. Beware of scam artists selling such information. These scam artists place classified advertisements online and in newspapers, magazines, and periodicals offering—for a fee—to help job seekers locate and apply for Federal jobs. Some companies go so far as to use names that imply affiliation with the Federal Government such as the "U.S. Agency for Career Advancement," or "Postal Employment Service." Many of these companies advertise the availability of large numbers of Federal positions in local areas, while in reality few or none may actually exist. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management's, USAJOBS, is the official source for employment information and Federal job opportunity announcements. Federal agencies and the Postal Service never charge for applications, sell study guides for examinations, or guarantee that you will be hired. If an examination is required, the agency administering the examination typically offers free sample questions to applicants scheduled for the examination. The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management urge consumers to protect themselves against job scams. Beware of advertisements or sales pitches containing:
If you have concerns about an employment advertisement or a company offering employment contact:
The Federal Trade Commission 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 http://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 United States and abroad. |