What are they?

These are work opportunities advertised in local newspapers, magazines, shop windows, on lamp posts or on the web which claim to offer you a quick way to make a lot of money from home without having any qualifications, skills or expertise.

You might see an advertisement that looks something like this:

'Imagine owning your own business, being your own boss, working only a few hours per week, never having to set an alarm clock again… a business that's fun, easy, even exciting work. No staff, no overheads, no bookwork, no selling, working from the comfort of your home. Guaranteed income of 50000 € a year.'

The catch is that before you start any work you have to pay money.  This is in the form of a registration fee, buying goods or making a premium rate phone call.  After you have paid your money you find that there is either no work to do or that you will not be paid for any work that you have done.  

There are usually about 300 work from home scams known to be in operation at any one time. Typically the initial outlay is between 20€ to 100€.  

How it works - some common examples

Addressing or stuffing envelopes: this scam involves you paying a registration fee to join in return for simple advice on how to place similar advertisements to attract other people into the scam  

Home assembly kits: this scam involves you paying a fee to receive a kit for making things from baby boots and aprons to toys. However, the kit is usually inadequate for making the goods required. Then the scammer either promises to pay you for the goods but then rejects them because your work is sub-standard or the scammer suddenly tells you that you have to sell the goods yourself and when you come to do so you find that there is no market for the goods.

Home working directories: this scam promises you a variety of different home work opportunities however once you pay the fee of 10€ to 30€, you only receive a directory of other companies who have their own registration fees and a list of shopping catalogues

How do I know it is a scam?

• they will ask for money up front
• they promise large sums of money for performing simple tasks
• they use a post office box address or a mobile phone number so you never meet them and cannot find them once you realise it is a scam
• the advertisements will not state clearly what is involved.

How to protect yourself:

• don't pay any money up front - geniune employers will not ask you to pay money before you start working
• stop, think and be sceptical. Ask yourself these simple questions: does it sound too good to be true? Is there actually an offer of work or just an offer to tell you more about finding work? Does it claim to be a big money opportunity? Does the work sound too easy?
• be wary of offers to buy back the goods you have made, as the conditions attached may be impossible to fulfill
• find out more about the company you want to work for - if it is legitimate it should be happy to provide you with information for free
• if you are looking for work to do at home, think about approaching local companies.
• ask for advice - call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

For more details on genuine homeworking contact the National Group on Homeworking (0800 174 095) for free advice and information.