The company's check is counterfeit, of course. And you're stuck owing your bank all the money you've wired.

The guidelines that the federal government has come out with are all voluntary suggestions. They're not actually required.

For the first time since we began tracking Internet fraud, wire transfer was the No. 1 method of payment. It's really alarming. The whole reason why scam artists try to convince people to wire money to them is because it's so hard to trace and track wire transfers.

Generally, you need a physical address to make a complaint, ... If it's a Web site, you can get information from the site-registration people, but it may just be a front for someone else.

It ends up becoming more like a pyramid scheme.

If somebody tricks you into providing that information, then, of course, it defeats the whole purpose.

The Internet is an even easier way of reaching people than the telephone, ... We've really only seen the tip of the iceberg.

These telemarketers never deliver on their promises. Their aim is simply to take money from consumers, not to give them money or credit assistance.

Consumers need to check out unfamiliar companies before doing business with them, online or off-line. You can't judge them simply on the basis of a nice-looking Web site.

There's a scam for everyone, and that means everyone is a potential victim,