Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 26, 1991                   TAG: 9103260108
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ADS FOR MANY OVERSEAS JOBS CAN BE MISLEADING, BBB SAYS

A: Yes, there are catches to many of these overseas job listings, according to the Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc. of Arlington.

For instance, right now a popular scam involves advertisements such as "Rebuild Kuwait" or "Jobs in the Gulf." Job seekers who are responding to these ads are told there will be fees of up to $95 simply for more information, job lists or resume preparation, according to the BBB.

In fact, the likelihood of most American workers getting jobs in Kuwait is very small, according to the U.S. Department of State. The pay for unskilled workers could be as low as $1.50 an hour and many local workers will be used.

Frequently the jobs offering overseas employment are submitted by "job listing" companies that sell stale or worthless information instead of offering employment, says the BBB. These companies often charge up to several hundred dollars for information they compile from public sources such as government listings or other newspaper ads. These companies often promise high pay and great benefits to people with little experience or training.

Some companies also are using the increasingly popular 900 number to snare job seekers, warns the BBB. Recent calls to regular or toll-free numbers are merely recordings offering vague information and then offering more explicit information by calling a 900 number. The charge for these 900-number calls have ranged from $3 per minute to $20 per call, according to the BBB.

Job seekers who would like overseas work should check with the Virginia Employment Commission about realistic prospects. There is no charge for filing an application with state offices.

The BBB offers these tips when considering applying for an overseas job:

Check whether the lead is for a particular job opening or an employment agency with openings.

Realize that some advisory companies that claim to offer refunds for unsuccessful clients force them to follow extremely rigid requirements to qualify for those refunds. Any deviation from could be used as an excuse to deny a refund.

If the service offers a periodic list of job openings, ask if the list is revised as openings are filled. Even though openings may be listed, some employers won't consider unsolicited resumes or applications.

If you are calling a 900 number, be sure you know precisely what the cost will be before you call. You may be paying for vague or worthless information.

Be wary of promises of positions that offer high financial reward and benefits but seem to require little experience or training. Remember, no employment service can guarantee a job.

Check with agencies such as the BBB about the reliability of a company before paying any fees.