Attorney General Kelly Ayotte announced today that consumers should be aware of work-at-home schemes which may be particularly appealing to consumers during the holiday season.

Be part of one of America's Fastest Growing Industries!
Earn thousand of dollars a month - from your home - Processing Medical Billing Claims.

You can find ads like this everywhere - from the street light and telephone pole on your corner to your newspaper and PC. While you may find these ads attractive, especially if you cannot work outside your home, proceed with caution. Not all work-at-home opportunities deliver on their promises.

Many ads omit the fact that you may have to work many hours without pay. Or they do not disclose all the costs you will have to pay. Countless work-at-home scheme require you to spend your own money to place newspaper ads; make photocopies; or buy the envelopes, paper, stamps, and other supplies or equipment you need to do the job. The companies sponsoring the ads also may demand that you pay for instructions or “tutorial” software. Consumers deceived by these ads have lost thousands of dollars, in addition to their time and energy.

Some of the classic Work-at-Home Schemes include ads for medical billing, envelope stuffing and assembly or craft work. If you respond to these ads, you may find that you are required to invest thousands of dollars in exchange for promises of training, equipment, and materials which are never given, or that you are required to place an ad of your own to solicit other individuals.

Legitimate work-at-home programs sponsors should tell you, in writing, what is involved in the program they are selling, including what tasks you will be required to perform and what the total cost of the work-at-home program, including supplies and equipment, is.

Attorney General Ayotte urges New Hampshire consumers to be wary of work-at-home programs. "It is important to be cautious before engaging in a work-at-home program. Be sure to ask detailed questions of the promoters of such programs and get the answers to your questions in writing, to help you determine whether such a program is appropriate for your circumstances and whether it is legitimate."

If New Hampshire consumers have any questions or wish additional information, they can visit the Bureau’s website at www.doj.nh.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 (toll free).