Top Ten Ways to Avoid Being Scammed

The BBB says "just don't ever do it". A lot of these scams focus around wire transfers, prepaid cards and gift cards. None of those can be traced.

So if your estranged cousin asks you for some visa cards or something from Western Union, ask them for a birth certificate.

All those emails a day can add up. Don't click on the links in them though unless you know the sender, and even those can be fake.

And I promise you, you're not related to that Nigerian Prince.

These guys are professionals and the BBB says they're very good at mimicking official seals, fonts and other details.

So just because it says it's official, make sure to double check. The BBB says even Caller ID can be faked.

Fun fact: the 's' in https means secure. The BBB says if you don't see that and a small 'lock' icon on the address bar, you should avoid buying there.

Turns out that can be faked too though, so to play it extra safe, head to the BBB's website and read reviews on that business.

Those clothing ads you see on Facebook? Let's avoid those.

Scammers are infesting every website these days. Tinder, Craigslist, Twitter and many others to reach their targets.

So don't trust that swimsuit model that says they love you and just need a credit card number to come see you.

If someone asks you for your routing and account numbers randomly, avoid telling them. The BBB says scammers will approach you on this front over the phone, on social media or email, and sometimes at your front door.

So if the girl scout starts requiring information for a credit check before selling you those cookies, be wary.

Scammers usually try to make you act without thinking. The BBB says one of their most common tactics is making you think their offer is scarce or open for a limited time.

Some legit businesses use this tactic as well, but if you experience it outside of the car dealership, make sure to stay wary.

The BBB says to make sure you always get a receipt. Never make a transaction that can't be traced. Stay away from non-traditional forms of payment.

So if that estranged cousin approaches you a second time asking you to pay him up-front before he mows the lawn, don't do it.

Especially when dealing with contractors who are coming into your home, or anyone dealing with money or sensitive information, make sure they're legitimate.

The BBB's website has reviews for all of these, along with several private websites.

This is one case where that yelp review may be helpful.

Choose what, who, where, when and why you take that selfie carefully. Also tighten up your security settings on your social sites. The BBB says good imposters can make themselves seem like family and friend.

Pro tip: if your new friend request has four first names, maybe block that one.