World Fire Safety, Inc.

The company advertises in local newspapers and on various job sites for office or management trainees. Respondents are initially required to pay a non-refundable registration, or background check fee of $75. As a condition of employment, job seekers are asked to purchase a sales kit at a cost of $95 which the company claims is refundable upon becoming a manager. Management trainees and sales representatives are not hired as employees of the company, but rather are hired as independent contractors. After purchasing the sales kit, employment hopefuls learn that they must sell a specified amount of product before they are eligible for a management position.

When looking for a job, you may come across ads for firms that misrepresent their services, promote outdated or fictitious job offerings, or charge high upfront fees for services that may not lead to a job. Too many consumers who respond to these ads think they are contacting a bona fide employment offer to fill a specific job. Instead, they reach a business that creates the impression that after paying fees for training or buying necessary equipment, that high paying jobs are available. Sometimes the fees are imposed without consumer approval, or the consumer is led to believe that most or all of the fees ultimately will be conditionally refunded, which turns out to be false. Keep in mind, companies who are really hiring employees do not usually charge their employees for the privilege of working for them.