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The USPTA recently emailed a letter to all members warning against bogus job offers in which applicants sent money to foreign addresses in hopes of securing a job as a tennis pro. The letter is reproduced here:

Dear member,

A sluggish economy and limited employment prospects have given rise to new schemes for making money at the expense of unsuspecting people looking for jobs.

In the last few months, USPTA has learned of at least two instances in which members sent money to foreign addresses in the hopes of securing employment as tennis pros. It is important to note that most of the questionable job advertisements sound legitimate, usually boast of high-paying positions and excellent benefits, and mention affiliations with legitimate tennis associations. While the initial ads do not ask for money, subsequent correspondence with the principals who placed them includes requests for money to be wired to foreign addresses. One person was asked to send copies of personal papers, including his passport. Both members lost thousands of dollars before they realized the job offers might be suspect.

In an effort to thwart questionable methods designed to extract from you as much money as possible, it is important to remember:

Most, if not all, job offers do not request money from prospective employees up front. If you are hired and are required to obtain work visas or other documents, you can obtain them after you are hired and have met with your employers.

Do not send copies of personal information, including your social security number, passport or driver’s license.

If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

USPTA attempts to screen all of the job ads in its Find-a-Pro site, however, we cannot guarantee the legitimacy of all the listed positions. Please use caution when applying for any job.