Security guards looking for jobs and security company operators are warned to be on the watch for Loyal Service Unit Special Team Services (“LSU”), and specifically its principal, Michael McCarthy (“McCarthy”). McCarthy and his F-rated company, LSU, have garnered a poor reputation for deception and failure to pay employees.
McCarthy advertises on websites, such as Craigslist, and through security staffing agencies. Applicants are required to pay fees for background checks, guard cards, and training. A series of complaints dating back to 2012 reveal McCarthy has a pattern of failing to deliver services. Complainants allege they do not receive their guard cards and guards recruited to work various events are not paid.
McCarthy frequently changes names and has done business under several dba’s, including BackUp Code 4 Staffing and Platoon Staffing. The Bureau of Security & Investigative Services issued a citation to McCarthy for unlicensed training activity. In addition to placing ads for security guard jobs, McCarthy also solicits Private Patrol Operators (“PPO”) and security company owners. Most recently, an owner of a security company contacted Business Consumer Alliance (“BCA”) to warn others that McCarthy is looking for Qualified Managers and PPOs to partner with or start a new business. Business owners and qualified managers should be cautious. Previous partners who have hired McCarthy to recruit workers have had to deal with upset workers who have been left in the lurch by McCarthy’s actions.
Kim’s Advice: Before responding to an employment offer or opportunity to enter a business relationship with anyone, do your research. Fortunately for the security company owner who was approached by McCarthy with a partnership offer, he did his research and was able to identify many red flags that caused alarm. If you operate a business and are considering partnering with someone, check them out before you agree to anything.
Scammers, imposters, and con artists often use formats like Craigslist to perpetrate their schemes. Being vigilant when considering offers may help you avoid a scam. If you are considering an offer, start your research by checking out the company with BCA. Also, run the name of the company, owner, and other key personnel, plus the phone number or address through an Internet search to obtain any information that may be available.
Some advertisements for security guard jobs turn out to be nothing more than a training course to become a security guard. Use discretion with these types of businesses or anyone that uses misleading or questionable practices to obtain business. Fees for training, background checks, and other expenses may be required up-front. Before signing up, obtain all details of the job or opportunity in writing, as well as any guarantees or refund policies. Make sure you read and understand the agreement and address any questions you may have regarding job placement, certification, and licensing.
Do you have a complaint against LSU or McCarthy? File a complaint or write your own review about your experience with BCA. Check out LSU’s Reputation Report with BCA for more tips and information.
About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1928. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.