Online health-care ads for bogus health-care products, including "breakthrough" cures for cancer and H1N1 flu remedies, topped the Better Business Bureau's annual list of Top Ten Scams released Monday.
"What these people do is prey on people's emotions," said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB's president and CEO, during a press conference.
The bureau also cautioned the public against "free trials" for certain new products, such as acne creams or teeth whiteners.
Many websites do not disclose the billing terms or do not have them prominently displayed, the bureau said.
Other scams the bureau highlighted:
Home Repair Rip-Offs
Homeowners are told that they need to do an immediate replacement due to a crack in their heat exchanger or because the contractor has a gas-sniffer device which shows high carbon monoxide levels. The repairs are often unnecessary and costly.
Small Business Loan and Supply Scams
Loan offers targeted at people with "no credit" or "bad credit" can often result in huge financial loss and possibly ID theft.
Free Government Money Schemes
Often, social networking sites and online ads will point to blogs that appear to be written by everyday people who are sharing the secret of how they received thousands of dollars in grants from the government. In reality, this is a mass marketing scheme that costs money to participate.
Business Opportunities
A promoter convinces investors that they can be part owners of an exciting investment portfolio, provided they enlist new recruits. It can appear lucrative, but often involves more hype than substance.
Cashback Fraud
You advertise something for sale. A buyer agrees to pay asking price but sends you a cheque for a larger sum. The person asks you to bank his cheque and send him a money transfer for the difference. Days letter the cheque bounces and your money transfer has left your account.
Hidden Cell Phone Charges
Consumers often don't realize that they've signed up for premium text message services when they play an online game or to take an IQ test. This results in charges from third-party companies on your monthly cell phone bill.
ID Theft
People are increasingly being lured online into revealing their personal information. ID thieves then use your information to obtain loans, goods or services without paying the bills.
The full BBB report can be found by clicking here.