Bank Smishing is a growing problem for all banking segments including credit unions, regional banks and large nationwide banks. These criminals typically do not target victims individually and instead they use a random dialer to send out the automated text alerts to millions of people. Because of this, many people who do not have an account with the associated "bank" will realize it is a scam and delete the message. However, the con-artists hope people who do have an account will take the bait and fall into their web of lies.

Don't waste your money with Penny auction sites.

Scam artists have been able to recreate login pages to look like the official Craigslist Website trying to fool people into revealing personal information, which may later be used to commit fraud and theft. This is a growing problem for many companies who have websites with logins that can easily be recreated. Make sure to check the "From:" and "To:" address of all emails as well as the URL to the website page you are directed to and make sure you are on the actual company website.

Whenever you travel, whether for business or pleasure, your identity travels with you. While you're staying at a hotel, you trust the hotel with confidential information and usually don't think twice about it. Just like most other scenarios, too much trust can prove to be a bad thing. Identity theft is a universal crime, and almost every nation has its own set of traps and techniques for depriving travelers of their identity. And one of the reasons your identity is increasingly vulnerable when traveling is that you're probably busier and more distracted than usual — hurrying to catch a plane or train, trying to make a meeting, or figuring out your bar tab in a foreign currency. Unfortunately, Identity thieves know and recognize these opportunities and won't waste a moment in exploiting them.

Shaina Luck introduces us to a man who got his heart broken and his wallet emptied by online scammers, but found a way to turn it in to a positive for others.

Cosmetic Scams occurs when the cosmetic company tries to hook you by offering a free trial, an introductory offer, free shipping and handling, anything to get you on the phone. But many times they are not free and may have hidden fees. How To Protect Yourself: 1. KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH: Don't stop using the products that make you feel better, but don't let a salesmen inflate your expectations to leave you and your bank account feeling deflated a few weeks down the line. Stay informed about who you're buying from and what you are buying. 2.RESEARCH: Research all the ingredients found in whatever product you are buying to make sure they are not harmful. 3. BRANDING: Look up the brand to make sure it is a reputable company with customer reviews. 4. READ THE FINE PRINT: While some companies give you the run around without being honest, others have hidden policies located in the small print of the offer. Be sure to read everything and look for hidden fees.

Customers, who fall for the "low price" traps, fake websites and "free" gifts, are being tricked into sharing their personal information, credit card details, and will be conned into subscribing to a number of 3rd party offers. By completing these offers, the consumers are allowing the scammers to sell, brand or even share their personal information to these 3rd party businesses. Then, after signing up for what seemed like a free gift, the user will find several reoccurring unauthorized charges on their credit card statement.

In her online search for Mr Right, single Mum Rebekah Tyler found herself the target of a scam.

Shopping online offers a wide range of advantages for consumers: it is often faster, cheaper and more convenient and the product range is virtually infinite, including clothes, books, toys, movies and music (both digital and physical) and even groceries. Online shopping has become increasingly popular over the past decade, making it a perfect breeding ground for scammers.

VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) tablets: There are thousands of illegitimate online pharmacies. They often use elaborate schemes to deceive you into buying counterfeit pharmaceuticals. From phony customer service lines to fake doctors, there's little they won't do to trick you. And what do you think counterfeiters do once they have your credit card and personal information?

The most popular variation of this scam is when the scammers actually pose as the breeders. They build a complete Web site using pictures they have lifted from legitimate breeder sites. Another tactic the scammers use to snag victims is through placing ads in newspapers or online. In many cases, the con artist claims to be a missionary in Africa. They say they have a wonderful purebred puppy that they cannot care for anymore. They are willing to give the puppy away free if they can find a good home for it in the United States. All they want you to pay is the shipping. Once you wire the money to cover the shipping -- usually $100 to $350 -- they start asking for more. They claim these extra payments are needed for vaccinations, crates and customs declarations.

Never let your cell phone out of your control -- spyware can be installed on it in as little as a few minutes. If you think spyware is on your phone, security expert Robert Siciliano says you have two options: Get a a new phone or call your cell phone service provider. They will tell you how to reinstall the operating system. Reinstalling the operating system should wipe out the spyware.

It's hard to go a few blocks without noticing an ATM. Because of their accessibility, people casually use these virtual cash dispensers without a second thought. The notion that something could go wrong never crosses their minds.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen explains how to protect yourself when shopping online.

Identity crooks rely on scheming victim's to feel defensive and fearful. The caller identifies themselves as a court official and states a warrant is out for arrest for failing to report for jury duty. When the victim explains to the imposter that they have never received a notice, the so-called court worker tries to clear up the misunderstanding by asking the victim to verify certain information.

Consumers in search of an apartment or house to rent often rely on online classifieds in order to find the perfect home. Especially if they're looking in another state or are trying to avoid high realtor fees. Unfortunately, the probability that they will stumble upon a phony listing that lure potential renters with the promise of low rent is relatively high. A description of the apartment and beautiful photos of their soon-to-be home are included in the ad; however, these photos are stolen from credible real estate websites.

An email that appears to be from Western Union claims to be a notice for a failed money transfer which warrants a refund. The subject is typically along the lines of "Western Union Transfer MTCN: ##########" with a false set of random numbers. The notice states that the money they had sent has not been collected by the recipient and therefore they should download the attached file, review the information, and then fill out the form and return it to a local Western Union to receive a refund of their money. To add to the credibility of the email, it also contains a fake statement at the bottom stating the email has been scanned by your email provider and is supposedly free of any viruses.

Cyber criminals are stealing tricks from the PC world and entering them into the mobile world. With room for vulnerability, Android users are being faced with huge threats as hackers con their way into installing Trojans onto their operating system while secretly sending premium-rate text messages.

Battling counterfeit products is one of a brand's biggest headaches. More often than not, counterfeiting strikes luxury and accessory brands, since it is easier to sell fake branded handbags, shoes, and clothes online and in flea markets and bazaars around the world. But what about when buying a knock-off has life-or-death implications?

People today use the Internet to get a hold of their credit score. Searching free credit report websites there are many to choose from. Many of these sites are legitimate, but the scammers have found a way to trick curious consumers by creating websites that replicate the legit credit sites to get you to enter your personal information.