Q: Dear BBB; I have recently been seeing classified ads in local newspapers and on the internet offering employment opportunities on cruise ships. The prospect of working in this industry has always fascinated me. However there is an application fee of $59.00 which makes me wonder how legitimate the ad might be. Am I WRONG to be leary?
~ Suddenly Seasick
A: Suddenly Seasick
You are RIGHT to be leary of any classified ad that wants you to send application fees to obtain the information about a position. In this example of scammers bidding to get your job search dollar, advertisers claim to sell you an official cruise ship application form for $49, $59 or even $99. What you get if you DO respond is either a brochure outlining the application process or a promise to put you on a list, a list that probably no one ever sees. The company also states they will give back a refund if no position is found in 3 months. However, READ THE FINE PRINT! It states that a refund is given ONLY if you receive 3 rejection letters.
Remember, the only way to get a real cruise ship's application form is through the company directly.
For more information on this and other scams find us at
vi.bbb.org