![How to Avoid 17 Internet Scams [INFOGRAPHIC]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/04qKSvDKlbG9U59RDo9YE4O/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647021047.jpg)
We've all heard the horror stories: credit card fraud, pyramid schemes, phishing, identity theft -- the list of scams goes on and on.
"Oh, that won't happen to me," you think. "I know the signs." No one wants to think he'll be counted among the fooled. But the truth is, you can never be too cautious about scams on the web.
After all, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, yearly dollars lost grew by about $500 million from 2004 to 2009, and the trend isn't showing signs of slowing.
Background Check compiled research on Internet scams from around the world to help you spot the red flags. Among the stats: Nearly 66% of complaints (predominantly phishing) with a known perpetrator location originated in the U.S. Meanwhile, despite having the world's largest online population, China only accounts for 3.1% of those scams.
Check out this infographic for information on the types of scams to look out for, and how to make sure you don't wind up a victim.