Work at Home Schemes

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Various methods of making money at home are advertised in newspapers and magazines around the country.  While some work-at-home plans are legitimate, many are not. Home employment schemes are one of the oldest kinds of classified advertising fraud.    When you read a work-at-home ad ask yourself these questions:

• Does this way of making money sound too good to be true?
• Will I have to work hours without pay?
• Are there hidden costs ?
• Will I be required to spend my own money to place ads in newspapers, make photocopies, or buy the envelopes, paper, stamps, and other supplies or equipment needed to do the job?
• Is there a membership fee to pay?
• Is there a payment required in order to get continued instructions or materials?

Work-at-home ads often advertise these types of employment: envelope-stuffing or addressing, assembly or craft work, reading and reviewing manuscripts or books. Many require a major outlay of money to learn how to pursue this work at home.

Consumers deceived by work-at-home ads have lost thousands of dollars, as well as wasted their time and energy. Remember to ask questions before signing a contract or sending in any money. Get responses in writing.

Carole Bozworth, BozworthC@missouri.edu
Regional Specialist, Consumer and Family Economics
Jackson County, MO
University of Missouri Extension