Classified ad misleads about Post Office jobs

We're taking a look at a classified ad that's been running in the local paper. It appears to be advertising lucrative jobs for the US Postal Service. But don't be fooled by the headline.

It's a classified ad that says the Post Office is now hiring with advertised starting salaries close to $60,000 including benefits.

It's not surprising that a lot of job seekers have called the 1-800 number looking to apply.
But the folks who answer the phone aren't the ones doing the hiring.

Wilmington attorney Haman Holland said, "It's sort of a bait and switch. When you call that number, it becomes Exam Services."

One of Holland's clients was pretty miffed when he found out the company that posted the ad has absolutely no relation to the US Postal Service.

But if you look at their web site, it sure looks like their trying to pass as the USPS. There's a stamp on the top of the page, a red, white and blue design and even a woman carrying a stack of mail.

Holland said, "The short version is this company sells study guides for the US postal exam. They describe four jobs that just sound wonderful, starting out nearly $60,000 a year, no education requirements, it's just like you're a shoe-in if you go through this course."

And that's the catch. The study course to help you pass the entry level postal exam costs $100. And officials at the Post Office say you don't need to take a prep course. If you want a job at the Post Office you should contact them directly..

Attorneys and postal officials seem to agree that what Exam Services is doing is not illegal, but it is misleading. The company has hundreds of complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau.

An Exam Services spokeswoman declined to give us an interview, but insisted her company is providing a legitimate service.