Asset Protection Association

This company advertises an employment opportunity for undercover store detective trainees in local newspapers and periodicals. The job description claims no experience is necessary, and the pay rate is advertised at “up to” $17 per hour. Those responding to the ad are scheduled for an interview where they are solicited to enroll in a program to prepare them for the job. This consists of a two day training class at a cost of $300, which entitles the job seeker to a diploma. Classes are sometimes held at temporary locations such as hotels, or at the company's place of business. According to the contract, the $300 deposit is considered a non-refundable fee.

We advise against sending any money to companies making these kinds of offers. This company is not hiring anyone directly. They make their money from collecting the $300 from each person for the training class. Their contract specifically states that there are no promises or guarantees of a job, and the diploma you receive, may not have value, or be recognized in the industry.

Loss prevention is a form of private investigation into larceny or theft. The focus of such investigations generally includes shoplifting, package pilferage, embezzlement, credit fraud, and check fraud. "Loss prevention" or "LP" is used to describe a number of methods used to reduce the amount of all losses and shrinkage often related to retail trade. Most stores require their detectives to have stable work histories and no criminal record. Common backgrounds include the armed services, rescue services, and security.