Top 10 scams to watch for

1Check scams: Victims are told they have won a contest, and that an enclosed check is to cover taxes and fees. They are told to deposit it and wire the money to cover fees. The check is bad.

2 Advance fee lenders: Scammers offer loans, but the applicant must pay fees before they can receive a loan.

3 Online employment offers: Offers ask for "shipping" or "billing managers" but are looking for victims to commit money laundering.

4 Lottery/sweepstakes scam: Victims are told they have won money and must wire funds to pay fees.

5 Overpayment scams: A "buyer" contacts a seller of an item listed on the Internet. The buyer sends a check for more than the cost and asks the seller to deposit it and send the remainder, but the check is bad.

6Mortgage foreclosure scams: Scammers may claim to know of investors or a "loophole" to help homeowners save their homes. Victims will be asked to pay fees or provide personal information.

7 Marketing scams: Victims are told they can make money from home, but to participate, they must pay for information or products.

9 Phishing scams: E-mails look like they are from a financial institution and ask for personal information, but route the victim to a scam website.

10 Nigerian scam: Scammer claims to be an official from a foreign country who needs an individual who can deposit up to millions of dollars, in order to get access to account information.

There are scores of variations on Internet and phone scams. Here are some general tips to combat fraud:

• Be wary of receiving cashier's checks in transactions in which money has to be sent back to the sender, or to a third party. The bank giving you money for the check does NOT mean it has cleared, and you'll have to repay the money if it doesn't.

• For cashier's checks, contact the financial institution on which the check was drawn to ensure it is legitimate.

• Avoid anyone who offers you a private deal and asks you not to tell anyone about it.

• Do not give Social Security numbers or financial information unless you know who wants it and why.

• If you are unsure of the transaction, postpone it until you can check out the person or company.

• Be extra cautious when dealing with individuals outside of the country.

• More information about avoiding scams is available from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov; click on the "consumer protection" box.