1. E-mails that come from your bank warning that someone has set up an account, closed your account, or stolen your identity. Similar scams involve eBay and PayPal accounts. The e-mail then asks you to click on a link to verify your account information. What makes these e-mails even more dangerous is the fact that the e-mail and web site you click through to look legitimate and may have the logos and design of your bank’s web site. In some cases, smart criminals will actually take you to your bank’s web site and then pop up a window that asks you to insert your account information. Don’t do it!

2. The Nigerian 419 Letter. This scam’s “419” name comes from the Nigerian penal code that it violates. The story is that a minister from Nigeria has embezzled money and needs an American accomplice to transfer the funds to his or her account in exchange for a cut of the money —usually 30%. But before you can get your share, you must front them money for taxes, transfer fees, legal fees, and other costs. You are asked to travel overseas to complete the transactions. People who have gotten involved have been physically threatened and robbed.

3. The “Congratulations, You’ve Won…” e-mail. This e-mail says that you have been selected to win an Xbox or an iPod. All you need to do is go to a web site and enter your debit card number and pin to pay for shipping costs. Obviously, the prize never arrives and you start seeing debits to your account that you didn’t authorize.

4. The Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan customer survey scam. Recipients receive e-mails saying they would receive a $20 credit to their Chase or JP Morgan accounts in return for answering a few customer service questions. These scammers then ask you to provide your login information, social security number, and mother’s maiden name. The information collected is used for identity theft and credit card fraud.