Los Angeles News

LOS ANGELES (CBS) ― CBS 2's Investigative Reporter David Goldstein uncovers the truth behind ads that promise high-paying government jobs.

The ads promise high-paying government jobs. This one even appears to be listed by the U.S. government. We found them in the L.A. Times, La Opinion, and the Chinese Daily News Online.

But are they just preying on the unemployed?

David Goldstein: "Are you promising government jobs that really don't exist?"

"Victoria": "No."

Our undercover producer answered the ads for government jobs. It's a company called Civil Career Corps. in Santa Fe Springs. The pitch from a woman who said her name was Victoria sounded good. 

"Victoria": "We are registered under the Secretary of State to do all the government testing in the state so we're approved by the government to do that."

We had to take a qualifying test for $10 to see if we were right for the jobs. Our producer passed-and then was told for $395, they'd prepare us for the civil service exam. If we passed that, Victoria said, we would get that coveted government position.

Undercover producer: "So when I pass the official exam?" 

"Victoria": "That's when they offer you the job."

Undercover producer: "Okay, so then I immediately get offered the job of my choice from the list?" 

"Victoria": "From the list, exactly."

The list includes jobs with the FBI, Parks service and the Post office. Pass the test, Victoria says, along with a Federal background check and drug test- we'd get the job of our choice. 

"Victoria": "The only way you wouldn't is if you fail a drug test and fail your background check."

Marilyn Taylor heard the same pitch. She answered the ad after being out of work since October.

Marilyn Taylor: "She basically said we were guaranteed jobs once we passed the test. When she said that I was surprised because I didn't think you could guarantee any jobs at the moment."

And she's right.

Rich Maher: "A guarantee like that would be false."

Rich Maher with the Post Office says passing the civil service test only gets you on a list to be interviewed-nothing more. And guess what? Right now the post office isn't even hiring!

Rich Maher: "We have offered early retirement in fact to our employees. With the economy down, mail volume's down and we're reducing staffing."

So we searched out Victoria to find out what's going on.

David Goldstein: "Hey Victoria, I'm David Goldstein with Channel 2 News." 

"Victoria": "My name's not Victoria."

David Goldstein: "You're not Victoria? You say you're Victoria upstairs. You use the name Victoria when we sent people in for your $395 course"

"Victoria": "Oh, I have no idea what you're talking about."

David Goldstein: "You have no idea what I'm talking about? Well you're up there, we have you on hidden camera, you talking about promising government jobs." 

"Victoria": "I have no comment, but I can I write you a letter?"

David Goldstein: "You can do whatever you want. But I'd like to ask… you are you promising government jobs that really don't exist?" 

"Victoria": "No."

David Goldstein: "You tell them that, if you pass the test you'll get a job."

"Victoria":"That's untrue. You have untrue information."

David Goldstein: "We have you on hidden camera." 

"Victoria": "No."

David Goldstein: "Look again."

David Goldstein: "So when I pass the official exam, that's when they offer you the job?"

David Goldstein: "You're telling people and we have on hidden camera --'you get the job.'"

"Victoria": "I have nothing to say to you. I have no comment because this is untrue. My attorney will be in touch with you."

As she hid in the restroom--we never heard from her attorney.

Rich Maher: "We urge the public to use caution. They should never pay any money to obtain information about jobs."

Marilyn Taylor used caution and walked out before paying the money.

Marilyn Taylor: "I was angry because $395 is a lot of money for people right now, especially if they're out of work."

The Better Business Bureau has complaints against this company and others that promise government jobs. With consumers saying the ads are misleading. You don't have to pay to find out about what's available. Most government agencies post openings online.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)