Tough economic times make fertile breeding ground for scammers and this recession is no different.
Since the $787 billion stimulus bill became law in February, dozens of websites have popped up offering advice for a fee on how to get government grants on everything from small business initiatives to paying off student loan debt.
You've heard it a million times, but it still applies.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The late-night infomercials on television and radio try to convince you otherwise. If you need to pay off your personal debts, want to start a small business or seek cash to sell your invention, the government has free money for you!
One popular con is the "advance fee scam." Someone claiming to be a loan broker asks for an up-front processing fee that can be as high as $3,000. If you pay the fee, you will never hear from the fraudulent broker again.
