The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have launched a campaign to "Stamp Out Job Fraud." In January, the agencies announced action against 11 companies alleged to engage in fraudulent activities related to postal employment. The companies typically offered for a fee either materials for preparing for the postal entrance examination or assistance in getting a postal job. In many cases, high test scores or actual jobs were guaranteed—even though the USPS might not be offering the examination or doing any hiring. A primary factor in these cases is the inappropriateness of guaranteeing a specific score on an aptitude test such as the postal entrance examination.

The 11 companies received an estimated 250,000 calls per month from consumers interested in purchasing the advertised services or materials. Millions of dollars are paid by persons, often out of work, in the hopes of getting postal employment through these scams, when none is forthcoming. The companies typically overemphasize the importance of the examination to the exclusion of other requirements. For example, the USPS selection process also includes a drug screen, background check, and interview which must be passed successfully before someone is considered for appointment.

Postal employment is highly attractive—when the entrance examination was announced in New York City recently, over 400,000 persons picked up applications and almost 200,000 subsequently signed up to take the exam. This applicant volume combined with limited hiring activity in some areas means that the entrance examination may be offered only every few years in some districts.

In addition to vigorous enforcement activity, the USPS is initiating an internal and external education campaign to equip postal employees with the tools to combat these misleading activities and to provide applicants with information about the hiring process and postal entrance examinations. The USPS entrance exam is an aptitude test and applicants currently receive sample questions and a description of the test when they sign up to take it. Guidance in preparation will provide more information about the nature of the test and test-taking strategies.

Persons interested in this effort may contact Ann Quigley at (202) 268-3952 for further information. Also, a press release, additional statements, and details about the cases filed can be found on the FTC’s Web site at http:/www.ftc.gov/opa/9801/stamp-pr.aspx.