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Pitfalls & 'scams' to avoid when looking for homeworking schemes
Don’t be taken in by bogus job schemes!
Advertisements for homeworking schemes are often seen in newsagents’ windows and in the classified columns of local papers. These advertisements can seem very tempting but beware! It’s often the case that those who can least afford to lose money end up out of pocket. Read this before parting with any of your money.
Earn £500 per week in the comfort of
your own home, addressing and mailing envelopes.
Contact:
Mr. Con Merchant
PO Box 500, 1 Rip-off Avenue Nowhere-in-England
Many schemes similar to the one above do not really offer work as such. The respondent is expected to send money for a "start your own business kit", which turns out to be instructions on how to recruit new people under false pretences. All you end up doing is placing similar advertisements, usually in shop windows, in an attempt to earn some money from others falling for the same trick.
£££££
Assemble products in the comfort of your own home.
All materials provided. Simple instructions
Unlimited earning potential. Send an SAE to:
Ms. Honesty Not
PO Box 666 Find-Me-Not
££££
Some schemes like the example above specify that the completed work must meet their quality standards before the work is paid for. In practice these standards can be very difficult to achieve and you never get paid. Indeed, some schemes rely on homework’s failing to meet the required standard.
 
For example;
  • The start up pack you have paid for to enable you to do the work may not contain enough materials to complete the work;
  • You may have to buy extras, such as glue;
  • The start up pack comes with complicated instructions or detailed samples which can be very difficult, or impossible, to reproduce.
 
So how can I safeguard myself?
  • If in doubt, do not send money. You should not have to pay a fee to secure work. After all, you are not expected to pay for working in an office or factory. Be wary of schemes that ask for money.
  • Do not send cash. If you really want to make an upfront payment, avoid sending cash. Send a cheque or postal order, keeping counterfoils as proof of payment. Send by Recorded Delivery.
  • Read everything very carefully. Does the job sound realistic or is it too good to be true?
  • Keep records. Keep copies of the advert, plus any literature relating to the company, including any claims they make.
  • Find out more. Contact the company and ask for more information. Try to get confirmation of details in writing. If a company is reluctant to do this, then perhaps they have something to hide.
  • Seek advice. Call the National Group on Homeworking Helpline ( 0800 174 095 (free).
  • Check with your local Trading Standards Service. Although we can’t recommend businesses we may be able to provide you with information about a particular scheme.
 
How can I find genuine homework?
Finding a good scheme can be very difficult, recruitment is often through an informal network of information and contacts passed on by word of mouth. It’s a good idea to try to find a scheme based near you as it will be easier to collect and deliver work and sort out problems.

Try asking around for information about local homeworking schemes, your neighbours or friends may know of local companies and ask your local job centre. It may be worthwhile going through publications such as the Yellow Pages and phoning up companies in a particular field that may use homeworkers, for example printing, packing, assembly and clothing manufacture.

Many people do not realise how many things are assembled, packaged or processed by homeworkers - for example: Aran sweaters, bicycle parts, bingo ticket books, Christmas crackers, computer leads, draught excluders, data input, embroidery, rag dolls, soldering wires, typing, word processing and selling financial services.

If you do find a company offering homework try to find out a bit more about them before accepting any work. Try and visit their premises and ask for details of existing homeworkers who have been paid.

 
What should I do if things go wrong?
  • You may be able to pursue a legal claim against the company. However, if the company has gone out of business, you may well lose your money.
  • Keep any evidence.
  • Complain in writing to the company and ask for a refund. State in the letter that if the matter is not resolved within 14 days that you will be proceeding with a claim against them in the County Court.
  • Send all correspondence by Recorded Delivery and keep copies.
  • Report any possible misleading claims to your local Trading Standards Service. They may be able to offer further guidance.
 
Remember, if sounds too good to be true - it probably is!