It sounded like the perfect job opportunity with good pay, great benefits and plenty of positions open. But the only beneficiaries were con artists who cooked up a scheme to defraud vulnerable job seekers.
"Thank you for calling American Careers," said the recording. "The airlines are currently hiring for the following entry-level positions: fight attendants, ticketing, baggage handlers. No experience is necessary."
The recording goes on to say employees could earn $14 to $22 an hour, health insurance benefits, and paid vacation. For a fee of $39, the company, American Careers, would usher people through the hiring process to work for the airlines. The problem?
"People would either receive nothing in return for their money or merely would receive an airline hiring guide," explained U.S. Postal Inspector Frank Schissler.
Inspectors began tracking American Careers after receiving hundreds of complaints.
"It appeared the company was connected with the airlines and was able to provide hiring assistance or would actually do hiring. People were urged to call a phone number and then provide their basic information and then submit a check or money order to the company," Schissler explained.
Inspectors said that was a red flag.
"They didn't allow you to use a credit card because, of course, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company," Schissler added.
Schissler had some advice for anyone who finds a job online but is asked for a fee: "Check them out with your local Better Business Bureau or state attorney general's office. See if there are any complaints that have been filed against them."
The owners of American Careers were tracked down and asked to sign a cease and desist order, which basically means the company needs to change its advertisements and recordings to reflect the company is not associated with any airline and it cannot guarantee employment with an airline.
The order also requires the company to refund customers, when requested, within seven business days.