From on-line phishing scams to Ponzi schemes, it’s not hard to fall prey to a financial scam these days. Con artists are savvier and technology makes it easier to reach people—and their private information.

“The funny thing that amazes me is most people think in this economy scammers would go away, but they proliferate because they know people are desperate and scared,” says Lynndel Edgington, founder of Eagle Research Associates, Inc., a California nonprofit that educates people about investment scams.

That doesn’t mean you need to cancel your e-mail account and stash your cash under the mattress. What it does mean is you need to be aware of common scams so you can avoid them.

Common scams

Today, many con artists reach people via e-mail. It is quick and cheap, and they can count on a certain percentage of people not having the Internet know-how to spot a scam. In one of the most popular current “phishing scams,” Edgington says thieves will send e-mails asking you to verify your bank account, social security number, or other personal information. The deceiving thing is that these fraudulent e-mails often appear as if they were sent legitimately by your bank or the Social Security Administration.

“Never respond with personal information to any communication started by someone else,” cautions Jim Walsh, author of several books about economics, including You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man: How Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Frauds Work and Why They’re More Common Than Ever. “If you think something is wrong with your account, do not send anything over the Internet; give them a call instead.”

Walsh also cautions older adults to be cautious about so-called “Medigap” insurance scams that claim to cover co-pays and other costs not provided by Medicare. While there are legitimate insurance policies to supplement Medicare, Walsh says to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.

“Because everybody knows there will be health care reform, but they’re not sure what it means, people are selling basically worthless Medigap coverage,” he says.

People behind the scam

“One shocking statistic is most of this is being done by people seniors trust: accountants, financial planners, pastors, stock brokers, estate planners, even former policemen,” he says.

You should check the credentials of your accountant and stock broker, Edgington says. And, he adds, always ask to see the prospectus for any investment you are considering.

Art Koff is the founder of RetiredBrains.com, a retirement information site. Koff is in his 70s and Web savvy, but he says he is in the minority among his peers. He advises people who aren’t familiar with the Internet to seek guidance from family members who are. Once you’re online, Koff says to check your credit report every quarter to make sure all the information is accurate. “That way you are fairly assured you are in good shape,” he says.