Fake Government-Job 'Application Fee' Scam
A scam promises a government or postal job in exchange for an application, exam, or processing fee — real government jobs are free to apply for.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You see an ad or message offering a well-paid government or postal job and are told to pay a fee for the application, a required exam, 'certification,' or processing. Federal and postal jobs are posted publicly and free to apply for; no one legitimate charges you to apply or to take a civil-service exam. The fee (and any personal details collected) is the scam.
What it usually looks like
- A government/postal job offer with an application or exam fee.
- A site that is not an official .gov job portal.
- Requests for a fee plus personal details.
- Guarantees of placement.
Common warning signs
- Any fee to apply for or take a government exam.
- Non-official job sites impersonating agencies.
- Guaranteed hiring.
- Pressure to pay to 'reserve your spot.'
Example wording scammers use
“USPS is hiring! Pay the $89 exam and processing fee to secure your application.”
“Federal job placement guaranteed — pay the certification fee to begin.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your application/exam fee.
- Your personal details.
- To exploit trust in government employment.
What to do
- Apply for federal jobs free at USAJOBS.gov and postal jobs at usps.com/careers.
- Never pay a fee to apply or take a civil-service exam.
- Verify any job posting against the official agency site.
- Report the offer.
What to do if you already responded
- Dispute the fee with your card issuer.
- Watch for identity misuse if you shared personal details.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.