The Better Business Bureau has received phone calls from consumers wondering about the validity of ads boasting opportunities for construction and trade workers to rebuild Iraq. Questionable offers like the one found in Colville, Washington’s Work For You section of the local Nickel Nik, raised eyebrows.

An ad, found in the Bellevue Little Nickel along with similar publications, provides an 877 number and when calling, you hear a hurried, pre-recorded message from “Overseas Construction Personnel” or O.C.P.

The ad continues that if you are a carpenter, electrician, welder, or plumber (etc.) they’re looking for you — Crews are being formed now. You can earn from $3,000-$4,000 weekly if you send a processing/placement fee of $142 to a P.O. Box in Covington, Wash. They claim the fee is fully refundable if you do not receive your “OCP kit.” There is talk about flights, room and board covered if accepted.

In order for an agency to “place” or “hire” contractors or to subcontract, they need to be licensed and bonded in the state they are hiring from. Without any way of getting in touch with a live person at this number, this offer seems very questionable.

There are resources for job offers of this nature. They include: the Workforce Development Council of King County (206) 448-0474; and the Washington State Labor and Industries, 800-647-0982.

This is only one of many questionable opportunities concerning Iraq you can expect to see in the coming year.