Homeworking schemes

Offers to earn money by work from home may seem like the answer to your financial problems, but many are scams. 

Chain letters can sound good but they fail because they run out of participants and the chain is normally broken before you make any profit.

Addressing envelopes schemes are very common. You normally pay a fee to enrol but you are unlikely to make any money and anything you do make is by conning other people. You will be asked to place an advertisement like the one you replied to. The envelopes you address are the replies to your advertisement from people looking for work.

'Get rich quick' schemes often use premium rate telephone numbers. The advertiser makes a huge profit on your phone call. They are unlikely to give you any worthwhile information but will keep you on the phone for as long as possible.

Delivering leaflets through doors sounds feasible but it is difficult to compete with existing agencies and local newspapers. You are unlikely to make much money.

Pyramid selling schemes involve buying goods from the company and selling them to the public and other agents. They are controlled by legislation. There are many legitimate schemes and it is possible to make money this way. It can be difficult, needs a lot of time and good sales skills.

Home assembly schemes may ask you to pay a deposit for a kit of parts and to assemble at home. Some schemes require a standard of work often unachievable at home and the companies use this as an excuse not to pay you.

Before you sign up to any homeworking schemes check them thoroughly, particularly if you have to pay a registration fee.

If you have any concerns about home working schemes contact Consumer and Trading Standards.