Scam artists posing as health insurance experts are targeting seniors, volunteering to help them sort out the complicated array of Medicare policies, especially the Part D prescription drug plan. Older people, seeing advice as well as reassurance about selecting the right plan, voluntarily give the phony agent their Social Security number.

2) New Ponzi scheme

The basis of any Ponzi scheme involves putting money into a seemingly sophisticated investment, often real estate or oil and gas leases. You're told you will receive a very high return, typically 15% to 20% per year. You then get regular statements for a short period of time, so you keep investing. Bottom line: You never get your money out because the scammer has taken it with him on the train to Timbuktu.

The latest type Ponzi schemes center around housing for the homeless projects and start-up companies.

Protect yourself by going on orange alert the minute you hear about "guaranteed high returns." Ask to see documentation. If the investment company is registered in one state, has its physical office in another and actually sells to investors in a third state - back off!

You should also check with your state securities regulator to see if the company is registered. To locate your state's regulator, contact the North American Securities Administration Association (www.nasaa.org/home/index.cfm). Click on "Contact Your Regulator."

Another way to check up on a securities firm or a stockbroker is through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (http://www.finra.org/).

3) Foreclosures. Due to the troubled world of mortgages, an incredible number of homeowners are facing (or fear that they will be facing) foreclosures. Some con artists offer to prevent foreclosures -- provided you sign over the title to your home. You may be told that you can stay in your home until you're able to resume payments or that you can renegotiate ownership within so many months.

Others up to no good maintain that they will save your house if you pay a fee.

Do not sign away ownership to your property. If you're having difficulty making mortgage payments, talk to your lender.

Stay tuned. Next week: What to do if you're struggling with your mortgage.

- Nancy Dunnan