If you work hard for your money, you certainly don't need to lose it to a scam.
That's why the FTC publishes a list of top sources of consumer complaints every year.
If you know what's on it, you might avoid becoming a victim.
For example, the fifth most popular source of consumer complaints last year, with nearly 62,000 complaints, was Foreign Money Offers.
As old as the Internet, these scams include those emails you get offering you millions to help some foreigner establish a U.S. bank account.
To avoid these, just say no way.
At number four, with 74,000 complaints, is shopping at home: not getting what you paid for, either literally or in terms of quality.
Solution?
Check store reputation and return policy before you buy.
Use a credit credit card for added protection.
Number three most popular complaint was Internet Services: not being able to cancel an account, undisclosed charges, spyware, adware, etc.
Your best protection?
Don't every give anyone a dime without checking them out at the Better Business Bureau or on complaint sites.
The number two consumer complaint last year was around being bullied by debt collectors.
You have legal protection from these people: understand your rights and exercise them.
The top source of consumer complaints?
Identity theft.
Protect your name, birthday, address and most important, your social security number.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT