Clever Scam Targets Job Seekers

Like many people, I thought I was too clever to fall for an internet scam after seeing so many of them being pitched and still managing to resist the outlandish claims being made. But then the recession hit and I was unable to find a job. Several months of searching had turned up nothing and my bank account dwindled as I dipped into it to pay the bills. Then I saw the ad on Craigslist.

It stated briefly that the United States Postal Service (USPS) was hiring, and offered a phone number to call if interested. No more information was provided, and this seemed professional enough. It lacked the "too good to be true" vibe that most obvious scams seem to have. There was no premise of working at home or makinghundreds of dollars a day by doing next to nothing; it was just a regular job with normal pay and benefits.

After calling the number provided by the advertisement, I was connected with a representative that made no claims as to whether she was affiliated with the USPS or not, but offered an official sounding spiel that suggested she was. It included information about available positions, pay and benefits, and a test that all applicants are required to pass before obtaining a job. She explained that the test was offered for free, but I would need to purchase an official study guide in order to prepare for it. She assured me that the $130 I would spend on the guide was refundable, but never made further mention of the refund policy. Worried about the state of my bank account and ability to find a job, I reluctantly provided my Visa number and address.

The study guide arrived in the mail less than two weeks later, but I was completely unprepared for the nasty surprise that would come along with it. Neither the advertisement nor the phone representative had made a single reference to not being affiliated with the USPS, but here it was in plain text in the study guide: "The publisher is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the United States Postal Service..." and "The United States Postal Service offers study materials free of charge...(at) your local post office."

Additionally, "Testing Authority Inc" sent a sheet of paper along with the study guide, providing information on obtaining a refund and making it clear that refunds would only be granted in one of four situations: if one has taken and failed the exam, if one is denied a job only after passing the exam and being interviewed, if one is hired by the USPS and completes a full week of work, or if there are no job openings within 100 miles for one full year after purchasing the guide. According to the disclaimer, "This was outlined when you placed your order..." Unfortunately, the sales representative that took my order never made mention of the particular criteria in getting a refund.

Disappointed but not yet defeated, I turned to the next option in front of me: taking the exam. The study guide gave detailed instructions on registering with Testing Authority Inc on their official website in order to be notified of exam openings in my area. Unfortunately, a registration showed that no openings were available at the time. A quick search of the official USPS job opening database for my zip code provided the same results.

Realization that I had been scammed finally set in when I attempted to call the customer service hotline provided with the materials, 1-800-709-0162, only to find that it was no longer in service. The official website soon disappeared as well, with searches for "Testing Authority Inc" only resulting in message boards full of similar stories.

Reginald Whittier, one person in the same position, wrote that he contacted the Better Business Bureau only to find that over 700 people had filed complaints against Testing Authority Inc. His story was followed by scores of responses with similar frustrations at being unable to get a refund. Several reported contacting the USPS and being told that it's a fraud, while others still see similar Craigslist advertisements on occasion. One anonymous commenter made the claim that Testing Authority Inc never actually disappeared but changed their name to United Testing and Education Center (UTEC) and can be accessed through their new webpage.

A quick visit to the homepage of UTEC resulted in a video with the exact same advertising spiel and unfounded promises that the US Postal Service is currently hiring and has plenty of well-paying jobs available, but only after purchase of their expensive study guide. UTEC at least offers a disclaimer stating that they are not affiliated with the USPS, but it's not in plain view or on the landing page of their website, which is the page that people are encouraged to place orders from.

I have not seen any recent advertisements on my local Craigslist concerning this, but it would be wise to avoid or flag these ads if you do come across one. If you have already been a victim of these barely legal marketing techniques and lost money to the now nonexistant Testing Authority Inc, you can contact UTEC through their official website or call 1-888-302-9545 to dispute your refund.

Dr. Carole Letson, "Postal Battery Exam Study Guide" Endeavor Media Group LLC.

Testing Authority Inc, "Customer Care Refund Policy" Testing Authority Inc.

Reginald Whittier, "Complaints-Refund For Testing Supplies" Complaints Board

United Testing and Education Center, "theutec.com" UTEC