The common frauds and scams section includes descriptions of frauds and scams along with suggestions to help you from becoming a victim. Other helpful links to industry and Government fraud Websites are also provided as is information on where to file a complaint.

The counterfeit cashier's check scheme traditionally targets people who are selling items over the Internet or through classified ads. The cashier's check given to a seller and/or potential employee may be fraudulent and eventually returned to the bank.

Credit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of a credit/debit card, or card number, to fraudulently obtain money or property.

Debt elimination schemes involve a promise to eliminate burdensome credit card, mortgage or other debt for an up-front fee. Organizers of these schemes create fictitious documents for the victim to present to the holder of his debt. These types of scams may result in the loss of real estate and up-front money as well as a damaged credit history.

Employment/business opportunity schemes come in many forms. Through these schemes, scam artists solicit individuals, sometimes by creating a fictitious product or service to sell, to steal money and/or one's identity.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

Lottery schemes usually involve fraudsters who randomly contact people advising them they've been selected as the winner of a lottery. The fraudsters then try to persuade people to forward sums of money to receive their larger prize money.

Nigerian Letter or "419" schemes involve scam artists who sometimes pose as business owners, bankers, or foreign government officials needing assistance to move money from their country. Once trust is established, the scam artist may attempt to secure the victim's personal and banking information, along with an up-front fee, to facilitate the movement of the money from their country.