One of the products of our down economy is this: job scams are on the rise. With people more desperate than ever to find employment, they are more likely to fall for a promise of a job–even if there’s a price tag attached. That’s why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has come up with these four suggestions for avoiding a job scam:

1. Don’t pay money for the promise of a job.
2. Federal government jobs and jobs with the U.S. Postal Service do not have any fees associated with any application or job inquiry.
3. Be very skeptical of anyone who asks for money in exchange for a so-called “opportunity” to work from home.
4. Before paying money, check out the business with the Better Business Bureau.

If you think someone has scammed you, report the fraud to the FTC.

Here’s a video that’s worth watching, too, especially if you don’t want to become a job-scam victim