Online frauds that target through email are the most obvious.

While these are obvious to those of us who have been online for some time, they are not so obvious to people who have only recently been introduced to the internet.

If you put an item up for sale on Craig’s List or another such site and receive an offer that is far above what you are asking, beware.

The way these things go is that they usually want to give you a huge check to deposit — “but please give me just $200 or so on the day you deposit.

Because you are doing this for me, I will let you keep the rest.” Of course, the check has no value and then you are left without the item, you are out $200, and you are left trying to explain the problem to your bank.

How to Protect Yourself
If you are going to accept a check, never accept one for higher than the asking price; do not send cash; and do not send the item until the check has cleared.