Top 10 scams of 2011

PHOENIX - Most of us can say we been a target of at least one of the top 10 scams of 2011.

The National Consumers League (NCL) has compiled their numbers and released their top 10 scams for last year .

You may remember many of them from previous years, but while the scam remains the same, the “sell” or story is ever-changing.

NCL findings show that most scams start through the internet, target people 46-55 years old and require payment in the form of a wire transfer.

There are three different categories:

-Top 10 Overall scams – topping the list is Prizes/Sweepstakes/Free Gifts which is requests for claim prizes that never materialize.

-Top 10 Internet scams – topping the list is General Merchandise that is purchased and never delivered.

-Top 10 Telemarketing scams – topping the list is once again… Prizes/Sweepstakes/Free Gifts.

Click here to review all of NCL’s Top Scams of 2011 .

The NCL has also put together a quick and easy list of definitions explaining the scams, including these three:

Family/Friend Imposter

Scammer poses as a friend or family member (or someone representing same) in distress who needs money.

Internet: Auctions

Goods never delivered or misrepresented after an upfront fee is paid.

Scholarships / Grants

For a fee, scholarship “search company” offers to conduct customized search for scholarships or grants for students to apply for. Scammers take the money and run or provide a worthless list.