LINCOLN - The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has reported that the Consumer Protection Division has received inquiries from Nebraskans concerning various work-at-home offers.  Persons considering such offers should be cautious and ask questions prior to getting involved.

Be cautious about home employment advertisements, especially ones that promise you large profits in a short period of time.  While some plans are legitimate, many are not.  Work-at-home schemes are one of the oldest types of consumer fraud.

The Attorney General's Office recently obtained the following work-at-home offer:
"HELP WANTED ! Homeworkers to help us in our business.  Mail 200 envelopes according to our instructions and receive up to $1,000 !  Mail 300 envelopes - $1,500, 400 envelopes - $2,000 !  The more envelopes you mail, the more money you make !  An honest way to earn that extra income to pay off bills, buy a new car, a home, or develop a second income.  Act today !  Send a registration fee of $28 and start down the road to your financial freedom !"

Work-at-home schemes are often advertised in the classified sections of major newspapers, or mailed directly to your home.  What these types of offers don't tell you is that you may have to work many hours without pay.  There also may be hidden costs.  Many work-at-home schemes require you to spend your 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.

Many people still fall prey to work-at-home schemes because they don't take time to ask questions and check references.

If you have to buy any materials or product to get started in a work-at-home offer, be on your guard.  It may only be a plan to sell you something.   If a work-at-home program is legitimate, its sponsors should readily tell you - in writing and for free - what is involved.

If you are considering a work-at-home offer here are some questions you might ask a potential employer: