Page 2 - Employment Scams

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Self Employment and Franchises
There are many excellent franchise opportunities for mature and retired people. There are even more crooks and scammers. They advertise in newspapers, magazines, posted signs and on the Internet. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell legitimate from scam. If the company does not have a recognizable name, be careful. Never enter into any franchise or self-employment contract without consulting an independent attorney - and never send money or personal information to anyone in advance.

Traditional Employment Agencies
There are employment agencies that have been in business for years making money by charging job seekers to help them find a job. Stay away from them. There are plenty of reputable and effective employment agencies that make their money from the employers they service.

Four Golden Rules to Avoid Being Scammed
1. Never Send Money or Divulge Personal Information- Anytime you are asked to pay any money in advance for anything or give anyone your social security, credit card or other personal information - assume it is a scam and walk away. Period!

2. Know What is Being Offered- "You'll pay me to do what?" If you are not crystal clear on what work you will be doing and how you will be paid - assume it's a scam and walk away.

3. Check Them Out- Check with the Better Business Bureau, call your local or state government, call your state attorney general, call an attorney, call a friend, call a family member, but be sure to verify whether this is a real company. Ask to see their office or plant. Do not take anyone's word for anything! If you cannot confirm the promises being made, walk away.

4. Too Good to Be True- If it sounds too good to be true - it's because it most certainly is. The scammers know that hope and trust spring eternal - don't believe their promises - you will lose.

Four Things You Should Do!
You've heard about what to avoid and what not to do. If you are looking for a job and a paycheck, here is what to do!

1. Use Government Agencies- State and local government and social service organizations offer job training and search help. Contact them. Don't know whom to call? Call you local town or city hall and ask.

2. Reputable Private Employment Agencies- Contact established and reputable private employment agencies - they are listed in the yellow pages under "Employment Agencies." There are agencies for full time, contract and temporary jobs. Call several and go visit them now!

3. Known Employers- Look in the Want Ads. Make a list of the companies in your area. Read the business section of the newspaper. If they have an office, they have a Human Resources or Employment department. Call them and submit an application. No jobs? Ask them to suggest other appropriate employers. Be sure to check out AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 - these companies have been recognized for their efforts and commitment to employing you!

4. Online Job Postings- Stick with the known, reputable online job posting boards. The good news is that employers are waking up to the wealth of capable mature and retired workers looking for jobs. There are several posting boards targeted at workers over 50 - even retirees looking for part time jobs close to home. A leading site is RetirementJobs.com. Sites such as these provide information, services and job postings specific to the needs of mature and retired people.