Complaint Review: American Association Of Labor - Lee's Summit Missouri

Mr. Price, How dare you preying legitimate newspaper job search listings with such misleading labels as "Homeland Security" in the title.  I am appauled that you continue to get away with such wreckless abandon of decency and ethics.

I have read your defensive comments in this thread and hope to be receiving a full refund very shortly, per my call to your customer service.  How dare you take advantage of people like this.  

Thanks for this thread and the warnings, I just wish my husband would have seen it sooner so I wouldn't have had to deal with it at all. 

OK this is a very easy problem to resolve. Do not use this out side company "American Association of Labor" weather or not they are a legitimate company doesn't matter, you don't need them! If you are looking for a government job all you have to do is go to. http://www.usajobs.gov/ You create a resume' through them find jobs that you are qualified for and apply to them. It's that easy! If you would like more information about the job you are applying to type in the agencies name into your search engine and bam! you most likely will get there direct contact number the number for HR and there address. Call them and ask when they will be hiring for the position that you applied to they will tell you and if that person doesn't know then they will transfer you to the person that does know. That person is most likely the one in charge of hiring any how and now that you contacted them and gave them your name you will probably go to the head of the list. Look I just gave everyone thousands of $ of advice so if you like go ahead and send me the amount that you would have wasted on the "American Association of Labor" ;}

I, like many other Americans, am desperate to get a higher paying job. I called the phone number and heard their sales pitch, asking for about $40+... i thought it would be worth it because they say they give you a full refund plus $45 if you don't have a new job within a year... However... I do not have a credit or debit card, much less did I even have the $40 they were asking for. So my plan was to wait to the following week, that way I could buy a prepaid credit card of about $60, call them, charge it, and get started in searching for an exciting new career opportunity within the Government. I'll tell you, I was excited. I felt as if i was finally going to make enough money to leave the gutter I currently live in. But, before the week had gone by, thank God, I happened to catch a special report on ABC News, that went a little something like this: -------------------- "Scamming The Unemployed" by Shane Doyle Wednesday, February 04th, 2009 09:17:59 PM How does a government job paying $18 to $32 an hour sound? Thats exactly what a new job advertisement is claiming. KAPP-KVEW's Trouble Shooter investigated a new scam that is targeting those who need money the most...the unemployed. The job listing is offering positions with the Department of Homeland Security. It instructs you to call the American Association of Labor for an application, but then you're asked to pay $38.25 plus shipping and handling for the application and other materials. The Department of Homeland Security says this is a scam and they are not affiliated with this company. There are numerous online complaints about the American Association of Labor from people who say they've been duped out of their money. The company also advertises for other goverment jobs such as with the U.S. Post Office. They are not affiliated with any government agency. ----------------------- I continue to thank God, and ABC News for intercepting my plan, as it would have been a very hurtful waste of $40+ that I do not even have.

Hello Agrant, I have checked our records and I believe that we issued a full refund to you. At any rate, you ordered our employment package almost a year and a half ago. Since that time, we have completely changed the package and it is not even called the same thing as it was when you ordered almost a year and a half ago. As part of this, we have checked each and every phone number in our package and changed those that did not work to the proper current data. We have also added a LARGE amount of new information to the package since you ordered. We have also put procedures in place so that the package is checked on a regular basis to make certain that the information is correct and up to date. I guess what I am trying to say is that just like all other businesses, we listened to customers and made changes to our material. Dennis Price 913-599-9757

Hello L3diamond, I am the one who contacted you in regards to your refund and I am glad you saw that the refund was in your account. However, there is something very important for everyone to understand....what you described is absolutely nothing special, we give refunds to customers who request it....period. The exact scenario you described has been repeated by MANY other customers who also received their refunds, thats exactly the way our business works. If you don't gain employment, you are entitled to our refund...period. Thats exactly what I have been desperately trying to get across. Dennis Price 913-599-9757

Hello Laurie, you stated in your brief comment that this was reported as federal employment? In all of our ads, we clearly state our company name and the words employment service. Further more, before anyone spends a single penny they are told, through our ads and voice message, who we are, what we are and what we offer. Yes our ads are in regard to government employment and our package shows people how to go about obtaining this type of employment. So I am not sure of what your comment was in regards to, but what I stated above is my response to your brief comment. Dennis Price 913-599-9757

Hello Pete, with all due respect, the BBB does serve a critical role in maintaing records of businesses and their practices, including ours. We work extremely hard to make certain that we are providing the best employment package possible to job seekers. We currently have the highest rating possible with the BBB, a satisfactory rating, meaning that we don't have any outstanding complaints with our company. Through our ads and voice message, we clearly state who we are, what we are, what we offer and the cost. This is all given to anyone before a single penny is given to us. After seeing and hearing all of the information, if they to choose to purchase the package they can, if they don't want to, they don't purchase it. We state that if someone does not receive employment, a refund is given and we certainly follow through with that claim. Due to the current economic downturn, we have begun donating our employment material to our local unemployment office, this is being done because being an employment service we can attempt to help unemployed people in our area, just like other responsible businesses do during a particular event. Such as Home Depot or Lowes donating building supplies in areas where a natural disaster occurs, they are for profit businesses just like us, but just like them we are trying to help the way that we can during this time. Dennis Price 913-599-9757

Hello "Looking for a Real Job", I respectfully believe that your information is incorrect. I noticed your address is Rockford, IL. Today is Thursday 1-22-09 and the government's employment web site currently lists the following job openings for the location of Rockford, IL. Local Census Office Manager: Census Bureau: $23.50/hr Assistant Manager for Technology: Census Bureau: $15.75/hr Assistant Manager for Recruiting: Census Bureau: $15.75/hr Assistant Manager for Field Operations: Census Bureau: $19.00/hr Assistant Manager for Administration: Census Bureau: $15.75/hr Assistant Manager for Quality Assurance: Census Bureau: $15.75/hr Revenue Officer: Internal Revenue Service: $38,117+/year There are MANY other positions that are close to Rockford, IL (too many to list here), but all of these positions are listed with the hiring location of the exact town you are in: Rockford, IL. I understand that the current economy has a lot of people concerned, but all that I ask is that people make certain that the facts are straight. We have been in business for almost 14 years now and have a good rating with the BBB, like ALL businesses we have had complaints over the years and we have satisfied those individuals. In fairness, please make certain that you understand the real facts before making comments about our company. Dennis Price 913-599-9757

L3diamond, I am the one who contacted you about your refund and I am glad that you received your refund. However, there is something that you and everyone else must understand, what you described has happened with MANY customers. In other words, what you did was not special, thats the way it works with our company, if you don't gain employment, you are issued our refund...period. That's what we say and that's what we do. I have been desperately trying to get this across to anyone who cares to listen.

Laurie, you left a very brief comment that this was federal employment? In our ads, we clearly state our company name AND the words employment service. Yes this is in regards to government employment, but again we clearly state who we are, what we are and what we offer in our ads and voice message. So I am not sure what you were referring to.

Hello Pete, with all due respect, the BBB serves a critical role in maintaining records on businesses and their practices, ours included. We work extremely hard to make certain that people are satisfied with our employment package. We currently have a satisfactory rating with the BBB, which is the highest rating possible, meaning that we have no outstanding complaints with our company. Through our ads and voice message we clearly state who we are, what we are, what we offer and the cost, this is all done before a single penny is given by anyone. After seeing and hearing all this information, one can choose to purchase our employment package or not. If they are unsuccessful in gaining employment, we have a refund policy that actually rewards people for at least trying to gain employment. We have given these refunds out when requested. With the current economic weakness in the country we have begun donating material to our local unemployment office in an effort to help unemployed people locally. We are doing this because being an employment service we can help people with our information packages, this is being done just like other responsible companies do during a particular event. Such as Home Depot or Lowes donating building supplies in areas struck by natuaral disasters. They are for profit businesses just like us, but like them we are trying to help as much as we can.

Hello Pete, with all due respect, the BBB serves a critical role in maintaining records on businesses and their practices, ours included. We work extremely hard to make certain that people are satisfied with our employment package. We currently have a satisfactory rating with the BBB, which is the highest rating possible, meaning that we have no outstanding complaints with our company. Through our ads and voice message we clearly state who we are, what we are, what we offer and the cost, this is all done before a single penny is given by anyone. After seeing and hearing all this information, one can choose to purchase our employment package or not. If they are unsuccessful in gaining employment, we have a refund policy that actually rewards people for at least trying to gain employment. We have given these refunds out when requested. With the current economic weakness in the country we have begun donating material to our local unemployment office in an effort to help unemployed people locally. We are doing this because being an employment service we can help people with our information packages, this is being done just like other responsible companies do during a particular event. Such as Home Depot or Lowes donating building supplies in areas struck by natuaral disasters. They are for profit businesses just like us, but like them we are trying to help as much as we can.

Hello Pete, with all due respect, the BBB serves a critical role in maintaining records on businesses and their practices, ours included. We work extremely hard to make certain that people are satisfied with our employment package. We currently have a satisfactory rating with the BBB, which is the highest rating possible, meaning that we have no outstanding complaints with our company. Through our ads and voice message we clearly state who we are, what we are, what we offer and the cost, this is all done before a single penny is given by anyone. After seeing and hearing all this information, one can choose to purchase our employment package or not. If they are unsuccessful in gaining employment, we have a refund policy that actually rewards people for at least trying to gain employment. We have given these refunds out when requested. With the current economic weakness in the country we have begun donating material to our local unemployment office in an effort to help unemployed people locally. We are doing this because being an employment service we can help people with our information packages, this is being done just like other responsible companies do during a particular event. Such as Home Depot or Lowes donating building supplies in areas struck by natuaral disasters. They are for profit businesses just like us, but like them we are trying to help as much as we can.

Hello Agrant, I have checked our records and I believe that we issued a full refund to you. In late 2008, we went through our entire package of material and updated ALL of our information. A LARGE amount of new information was added and the material is now extremely accurate and up to date. Please keep in mind that you ordered a package in November of 2007, almost a year and a half ago. The material that exists now has completely changed since you ordered the package a year and a half ago. We have put in place procedures so that all of our current material is checked on a regular basis to ensure that every package that is sent out is up to date and current.

The BBB does nothing more than mediate a dispute between you and the other party. The Federal Trade Commission can move to stop abusive business practices. Bottom line is the American Association of Labor advertises "free government job information", then charges you a "one time administrative cost of $38.25 plus shipping and handling" in the small print. Dennis Price can defend his company all he wants. Let him to it to the FTC.

But the Federal Government was never involved.

I got a refund from american association of labor. This is how I did it. I purchased their package in the end of December of 2007. I wrote on my calendar the one year date to be able to sent for my refund. Then I filled out the return info that came with the package. I provided copies of where I had applied and was sent a denial or unqualified letter. I also had to send a copy of the credit card statement that showed the original purchase. On January 9th I was contacted by some one from the american association of labor that in three business days I would receive my refund. After the call I wasn't sure of the card number it was to be returned back on because, I received a new card due to the expiration date.I tried to call customer service at 913-599-9757 and got an answering machine.I got a refund from american association of labor I found another number 913-599-8240 and this was to purchase the package again. But, I told them my situation and they told me my info would be forwarded to customer service and some one would contact me. I got a call 2 days later. Now it is January 13th 2009 and I just got my refund today. I hope this can help any one to get their refund too.

I responded to a Career Builder ad promoting Dept. of Agriculture jobs through this flimsy-veiled group. They leave a lot to be desired and fortunately I didn't convey any funds. They DO promise to refund $45, to your $38, investment if you fail to get hired by the DOA within 12 months. These folks may operate within a slim envelope of legality but it would be impossible to discern unless they provide bonafides. I'm checking with the BBB on their record. If not for Al's post, I wouldn't have found a phone # or address for this crew. The regular no. is just a boilerroom (phone bank) contractor for sales. BTW, I contacted a respondant from Va. Beach, and he DID get his money back after complaining; you can find his complaint within ripoffreport.com . Love this site, since it offers consumers the opp. of speaking to each other about various low-life seeking to help trusting souls part with their hard earne $$.

Mr. Price, I checked the homeland security website and found that the nearest available positions were more than 83 miles away. I do realize that the ad posted on careerbuilder.com for zip code 61101 on 12/29/2008 is ambiguously titled "government jobs". Just to clarify, you stated that you research the "government jobs" and only advertise and accept orders in those local areas where you have 'verified that actual job openings exist'. Does the scope of these "government jobs" include ALL municipal, county, state and federal positions? And if so, would that not allow you to advertise everywhere without your critical research? Instead of pointing out the percieved failings of postal contractors in their ability to appeal to job seekers can you please outline why you do not disclose the true nature of your business in your ads. Why did job seekers have to spend their money and time to call long distance to discover a fee for an undefined "packet of information" and customer service who's only goal is to collect a CC number? What actual employment related services does your company provide other than selling a book that you wrote and is NOT available for free anywhere?

PLEASE READ: Hello, my name is Dennis Price and I am the owner of American Association of Labor, LC. First, I started this company over 12 years ago while working at a local bank. During that time, some people were asking me to help them get a job at the bank. I realized that there are people who can use assistance in obtaining employment. I then created a package of material that specifically pertains to various government employment. The package contains a book that is copyrighted and is NOT available for free anywhere. Then I researched when and where certain government agencies were hiring and placed ads in those areas for my employment service. Certain pieces of information in our book can be found in some sources, however, most cannot. Therefore, it is wrong to simpy say this information is available for free elsewhere, this is not true, again, the book that is part of our package is copyrighted and is NOT available for free anywhere. It is critical to note that all of our ads state, "call American Association of Labor" and either the words or the abbreviation of "employment service". We are clearly NOT trying to represent ourselves as any government agency. In the case of newspaper ads, we actually PAY for the ad space to state this. There are other companies in this line of business who are trying to make people think they are a government agency. For example, in some newspapers, other companies say, "Post Office Now Hiring" and they do not give a name. Clearly they are trying to make people think they are a government agency. We are clearly NOT doing that. Secondly, there are other companies who are advertising online that actually go as far as to put pictures of postal workers and the post office on their job posting in an attempt to make people think they are dealing with the post office or someone linked to them. Again, we state our company name and the fact that we are an employment service in every ad we place. So people know who we are and what we are before they even pick up the phone. It is also critical to note that it is my company's policy to only place ads in areas where we have verified that actual job openings exist. We spend an enormous amount of time researching job opening locations, we spend far more time doing this then we actually do placing ads. This is critical because other companies are most certainly NOT doing this. They are simply placing ads anywhere they can. For example, there are companies placing ads online using a "NATIONWIDE" posting that say Postal Jobs. This is incorrect. The post office is most certainly not hiring all across the country. Our postings online are for individual cities that we can document that job openings exist in. During the summer of 2008, we placed some national postings, BUT we verified job openings for each person that ordered, if there was no hiring in a person's area, we called that customer and informed them that we would NOT process their order, because there was no hiring in their area. We then decided it was simply better to place the ads as individual city postings in each hiring city instead of placing a nationwide posting. These other companies are not verifying hiring for each person for their nationwide posting, they are selling packages to anyone they can. The same goes for newspaper ads, other companies are simply placing ads where ever they can with disregard as to whether job openings exist. That is not the way my business operates. Over the almost 13 years that we have been in business, we have had some people that were not satisfied with our package. However, every single person that has raised a concern with us has been issued a refund, even if we disagreed with their concern. For any company, its not whether you have had customers who were not satisfied, its how you handled those customers. And our track record speaks for itself. We do not have ANY outstanding complaints against our company. We offer a refund if individuals are not able to find employment, and we have documented proof that we have stood by that guarantee and issued these refunds. From approximately March of 2008 through mid to late September of 2008, customer service duties and some other duties were being handled by another individual. In mid to late September of 2008, I discovered that this person was not handling customer service issues and other duties correctly. I immediately terminated this person from all of those duties and reassumed them myself. Even though I am the owner, I have personally reassumed the customer service duties and the other duties that this person previously did. In closing, the United States government is the largest employer in the country. The government employs more people than any company in the United States. There are job seekers who are looking for employment. My company simply helps these people in trying to find employment.

I want to thank you for reporting this issue i almost purchased that packet. However after finding your report i found the real website to apply for homeland security jobs which is listed below. http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/careers/content_multi_image_0017.shtm Thank You

I want to thank you for reporting this issue i almost purchased that packet. However after finding your report i found the real website to apply for homeland security jobs which is listed below. http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/careers/content_multi_image_0017.shtm Thank You

You need to send the matierials back certified reciept, it only costs $2.40. Then contact your credit card company for a refund if they don't give you one. Make sure you send back everything they gave you. They did provide the product they advertised since the numbers are no longer in service. I would skip the BBB and go straight to the FTC and your local attorney general to file the complaint. I did a Google search on these folks and your complaint came up. I know that governemnt doesn't advertise that way and thought maybe they came up with a new dept. or something for these jobs. Although, I would never pay for job listings I'm glad I found ya!