Consumer Tips : Employment : Overseas employment

Click for members of the Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta that are Employment Agencies.

The following is general information on overseas employment:

Many advertisements for overseas employment and other employment opportunities, like cruise ships, appear to offer employment but instead sell virtually worthless information.

The Bureau urges caution, especially when the advertisement involves payment of fees in advance. Find out exactly what you will be getting for your money. Often you will only get a booklet of job listings that were compiled from public sources such as government listings or other newspaper ads.

Some companies that claim to offer refunds insist that clients follow rigid requirements to qualify. Any deviation could be used as an excuse to deny a refund.

As general information, the Bureau suggests:

• If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is
• Never send cash through the mail
• Do not give out any credit card or banking information to people with whom you are not familiar
• Don't be fooled by official sounding names
• Get all promises in writing
• Read carefully & fully understand any contracts before signing them
• Get in writing any refund policies and guarantees

Remember, no employment service can guarantee a job.