Home working scams

Burden points out that, such schemes target the most vulnerable in society by 'appearing to promise everything they need; good pay, instant job opportunities and the ability to work from home at hours that suit them. In reality they're just a way of obtaining money on false promises, and they undermine those operating legal and decent home working schemes. It was remarkable how many women, often lone parents, contacted me to protest against these unscrupulous schemes.' He's also concerned about the effect it has on their self-confidence, which is often quite low to start with.

Sadly, the Bill failed to get beyond a second reading. Many labour MPs were in their constituencies that day, and with abstentions from some Conservatives, the bill failed to progress. However, Burden is determined to continue campaigning;'The more people who raise the matter the better. I cannot stress too strongly how important it is that this issue remains in the public eye. Anyone concerned should write to their MP, demanding to see legislation on the matter.'Here's how to get started.

What you can do to protect yourself
In the meantime, if you take a few common sense precautions, you can go a long way towards making sure any work done at home leaves you, rather than the con men, better off.

• Don't part with money upfront. Requests for registration fees, administration fees, and costs to cover materials are a good indication of a bogus scheme.
  
  
• Don't pay for a directory of home working opportunities. These are worthless lists of companies that often request a registration fee, usually for work that ends up paying nothing.
  
  
• Don't be taken in by offers of money back. The conditions that apply make it impossible.
  
  
• Don't be taken in by the fact that the advert appears in a reputable magazine or newspaper, that’s no guarantee of anything.
  
  
• Don't call premium rate phone and fax numbers to find out more. Schemes using these are making money from you contacting them and probably offer nothing.

Next page: more tips