Looking for a job? Don’t get scammed. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here are some things to look out for and general advice.

Promise of a Job

Most legitimate companies will not promise you a job before they see your resume.

They Ask You to Pay

Whether for certifications or training materials, most companies will not ask you to pay for these things to them. They may require certain certifications provided by the state or a degree from a university. Be skeptical anytime they ask for any money, even when they guarantee refunds.

They Sell Information

Many companies will sell information about making money online, work at home jobs, lists of potential clients, ways to get a job, etc. Most of the information they send you, if they send it to you, is useless, poorly written, and outdated. Many of the websites selling it will provide phony comments and testimonials. If you are looking for information, try to find free articles online or purchase a book from your local bookstore.

Federal Jobs

Many sites and advertisements offer information on getting a federal job such as Postal Workers. All federal jobs are available for free to the public at www.usajobs.gov.

Do Your Own Background Check

Double check these companies with your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau. Also, a Google search of the company’s name and “scam” will generally show any results of people who ever voiced any claim that the company was a scam. In addition, if they list working with or clients of any legitimate companies, call those companies and ask them about where they advertise their career opportunities or their training requirements. Any time you agree to terms and conditions, make sure you read the fine print thoroughly.

If you have already been a victim of any scam, you may file a complaint with the FTC at 877-FTC-HELP or online at FTC.GOV/COMPLAINT.