DEAR BRIDEE: I have responded to two employment offers in the past five days, both of which turned out to be scams. The "jobs" didn't actually exist and the "interviewers" were trying to sell a service. Both companies said they would help me find a job for a "small" fee (actually not so small).

I found the first scam ad online on a major job board. It directed the applicant to call an 1300 number. When I called, the operator asked for $79 to mail a package containing government jobs and applications, both of which are free on the Internet.

The second scam ad appeared in my local newspaper and when I went to the firm's office, I was asked for $325 in a similar scheme. Of course, I declined. But I later ran into two other people - they fell for it.

Victims of so-called job offers that come with a price tag don't have the money for this kind of flimflam, or else they wouldn't be looking for a job. Is there ever a time when a reputable business will ask for money before offering employment? - B.N.

ANSWER: No, reputable businesses do not hit you up for cash before putting you on a payroll. Unscrupulous people run a variety of cons on the desperate and the vulnerable who may be worried about the bills coming in and the homes they could lose if a job doesn't materialize.

Warnings continue to be issued by government agencies and business organizations  and many others (you'll get millions of hits on Google.com when you search for "employment scams.").

You're smart. You already saw through the scummy scam artists who prey on the gullible or the despairing unemployed.

Keep spreading the truth whenever you get the chance.