A FESTIVE warning has been issued to the people of Bury who may be tempted to earn extra cash this Christmas by working from home.

The Salford Homeworking Project is urging borough residents not to be conned into joining bogus "homeworking" schemes that could leave them out of pocket.

Christine Ventour, project development worker, said that some victims end up making party novelties and Christmas crackers for as little as 60p an hour and in many cases they send off money only to find there is no work.

She said: "We are receiving complaints each week where clients are asked to pay a registration fee in return for work that doesn't exist," and she advised people not to send any money in advance.

Bogus homeworking schemes can be advertised in newspapers, post offices and newsagents, and leaflets are distributed through letterboxes.

The following advice has been issued:

Avoid companies that require up-front payment of money before any work is done.

Avoid homeworking schemes that require you to rent or purchase equipment or materials from the company you are working for.

Avoid schemes that require you to sell the product after it has been completed.

Anyone needing further advice or information can contact Christine at the project on 0161 278 2451.