During a recession, people are trying to find jobs and hold on to their homes. It's the perfect time for scammers to exploit the fears and concerns of those affected by the poor economic climate. See more »

It doesn't take much skill to steal, but printing and using fake currency requires some finesse. Counterfeiting has become something of a lost art over the years, but here's a list of five of its best practitioners. See more »

Have you ever gotten a chain e-mail that promised riches if you just sent $5 to everybody on the list? The person who began that e-mail is a con artist -- someone who lies, cheats and fool people into thinking they've happened onto a great deal. Learn about basic cons, how to avoid being conned and what to do if you're a victim. See more »

Smell that? It's the waft of smoldering company documents: a product of 'cooking the books.' Turns out, this isn't a filling meal, though. Find out why companies inflate their profits and what can happen as a result. See more »

A Philadelphia man managed to put more than $800,000 worth of counterfeit $50 and $100 bills into circulation between 1998 and 2002. How can you spot a fake? See more »

The idea that someone can "steal" your identity is very unsettling. Find out how identity theft works and how you can prevent it from happening to you. See more »

How many companies have tried to sell you "better" long-distance rates on your home phone? Do the offers sound too good to be true? Find out how to tell the scams from the real deals. See more »

Money laundering is a crime that disguises where money came from -- usually because its source was illegal. How can money start out dirty and wind up clean? See more »

Practiced pickpockets are nimble and intelligent -- and they look just like everyone else. You'll be amazed at how easily they can rob you without you even noticing. See more »

Ponzi schemes may not seem so bad. You invest some money, and when more people join, you get your investment back -- plus returns. The problem? For one, these schemes are illegal. And you only win if you're not in the bottom rung. See more »