Home working scams target unemployed

A quarter of all adults have been approached at some point by home working scammers, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said.

The scams, which generally offer start-up advice or profitable business opportunities, have become more prolific over the past year, the OFT said, as scammers prey on the unemployed.

The most common form of scams are adverts placed either in local papers, shop windows or street lampposts promising easy paid work that can be done from home. Upfront fees are then demanded from the organiser for work that does not exist.

Heather Clayton, the OFT’s consumer group senior director, said:  “We are seeing an increasing volume of work-from-home and business opportunities scams. People who are struggling financially may be particularly vulnerable to these types of scams.”

Clayton said genuine work-from-home schemes give specific details in writing on exactly what you will be expected to do, how much you will be paid, and how and when you will receive payment.

The OFT advised anyone approached by a home working scheme to walk away if asked for any money in advance. Before signing up, you should also do a web search on the company, speak to current workers and find out as much information on the scheme as possible.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010