TRADING standards officers are warning people to beware of "extra money" job adverts found on lampposts, in newsagents' windows and in local newspapers making offers which sound too good to be true. The advertisers give little information about themselves or what people have to do to earn the money. Interested people only find out after they phone or write for details. Schemes include writing envelopes or labels, packing safety pins, making envelopes and making stencils.

The people responsible for the adverts usually ask for money up front - ranging from £10 to £60 - on the promise that once the fee has been paid people will receive equipment or instructions enabling them to make the money.

Trading Standards officers warn that it is at this stage that many consumers come unstuck.

The criteria for the quality and quantity of work are often so high that many people cannot meet them - and few schemes have a money back offer.

Head of Trading Standards with City of Salford Council Ron Pennington has urged newspapers to carefully vet the adverts they publish. His staff will also be distributing special cards for newsagents to display in an attempt to deter people from displaying offending adverts.

He said: "Our advice to consumers is not to part with money upfront. Genuine job offers will not ask you to do so."

Chairman of environmental services, Cllr John Hincks added: "Consumers who have responded to such adverts and feel they have been misled should contact us and we will investigate their complaint."

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