Operators of bogus homeworking schemes....

• Usually rip off those people least able to lose money, such as pensioners, one-parent families or the unemployed.

• Advertise in local or national newspapers. They also put notices on lampposts, local buses or in shop windows. They may also put a leaflet through your letter box.

• Typical scams may involve:
  • Addressing and stuffing envelopes where you need to send a registration fee upfront. Usually all you get for your money is worthless advice on how to place adverts like one you responded to. It's not a real job, just a scam to con you out of money.
  • You send off money for home assembly kits. When completed, you should be paid for your work plus the fee you originally sent. However, this rarely happens. You are told that your goods are not up to standard and just end up out of pocket. They may even try to sell you another kit.

If you know of a bogus homeworking scheme being promoted in your area ...

Tell your local Trading Standards Service and tell us - it may help us to stop them and protect other people.