Home-working scam taking place in Solihull
From Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhood, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen on 21 August 2008
Solihull Council is warning people to be aware of bogus home-working schemes that trick people out of their money.
Rogue traders who operate the scam place adverts in newspapers, magazines, shop windows, on the Internet and even send out emails offering people money to do jobs that can be done from the comfort of their own home.
The scam promises good wages and flexible working and often requires potential employees to pay a registration fee or an up-front payment to receive a starter pack.
In most cases the payments disappear without a trace and the company cannot be contacted as no details are given in the adverts.
Sadly, bogus home-working schemes often target the most vulnerable people and those on low incomes that are attracted by the offer of earning extra cash without having to leave their home.
Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen, Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhood said: ‘ It’s unfortunate that such scams are taking place in our borough. A good way to tell the difference between a legitimate scheme and a scam is if you are asked to make an advance payment. If you are asked for money up-front, alarm bells should ring.’
For anybody who is interested in working from home, Solihull Council recommends the following:
- Avoid advertisements and firms that ask for money before work starts - legitimate home-working schemes will not ask you to do this.
- Try to find work through word of mouth - asks friends, relatives or neighbours if they know of local employers looking for home-workers.
- Look for work from a firm near you - it will be easier to collect and deliver work and sort out any problems that you may encounter.
- Get recommendations from other home-workers that work or who have worked for the company and have been paid correctly.
- Find out more about a company before accepting work - you might be able to visit the premises.
- Ask at the local Job Centre.
If anybody has any concerns or information about a possible Home-working scam, they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/
For media enquiries only, Gemma Shryane 0121 704 6136
Email: gshryane@solihull.gov.uk