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KHQA talked to a spokesperson at the Illinois Attorney General's Office in Springfield. They told us the office has dealt with a lot of complaints regarding frauds and scams. The scams range from mortgage foreclosures to loan refinancing. Criminals are also preying on victims on the internet with free trial offers and work from home schemes.

The attorney General's office says a problem they often run into is that many of these scammers are from other countries, so the U.S. has no jurisdiction, leaving many of these cases un-resolved and consumers with empty bank accounts.

So, to avoid being taken for a ride, here are some things to keep in mind.

Never pay up front. Many scammers ask for your money right away. A legitimate business will never do that. If you get a phone call from a telemarketer, just hang up. If you get mail enclosed with a check ,asking you to send cash in order to earn cash, just throw it away, but be sure to shred your personal information first.

Finally, just use common sense. If the offer seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.

Here's another tip, if a solicitor gives you an offer you just can't refuse, don't pay with cash, pay with check or credit card.   That way there's a trail if there is a problem down the road. If you have a consumer complaint, call your local attorney general's office.

If you want more information on frauds and scams, click here www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov