There is one thing that always grows when times are tough-the number of scammers trying to rip you off! Here are 10 common-sense scam prevention tips that can help make sure you don't become their next victim.

Scam Prevention Tip #1:  Stay local.  Whenever possible, deal locally with people you can meet in person and ask friends and neighbors about before you do business with them.

Scam Prevention Tip #2: No pressure.  Never be pressured into sending money "immediately" by FedEx, Western Union, etc. Ever! Unless you are very familiar with the person you are sending money to, this can be a recipe for disaster. If someone is pressuring you, ask yourself, "What's their hurry?"

Scam Prevention Tip #3:  Less is more.  Minimize the information you print on your checks. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his wife learned this lesson the hard way. When Mrs. Bernanke's pocketbook was stolen, so was her checkbook, which contained their Social Security number, address, phone number and more! That's a recipe for major identity theft.  The more information that you have printed on your personal bank checks, the more personal data that you are routinely handing out to people who may abuse that information.

Scam Prevention Tip #4: Shred away.  Shred all bills, receipts, and other forms with personal information before tossing them in the trash. This is a super simple way to protect yourself from Identity Theft and other scams.

Scam Prevention Tip #5: No license, no thanks.  When buying an investment or insurance, check to see if the person selling you something is licensed. To do business, investment advisors must be licensed with your state's Securities Division and insurance agents with your state's Licensing division.

You can also check out any insurance company through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' website to see if they are licensed and to see if there are any complaints.

Scam Prevention Tip #6:  Be suspicious if you have trouble retrieving your investment principal or cashing out profits. Although some investments have restrictions on withdrawals, you must be told about this before making a purchase.

Scam Prevention Tip #7:  Don't "click" with strangers.  If you receive an email from someone you don't know, don't ever click the links or on the attachment. Most scam emails ask you to click through and then either infect your computer with a virus or try to con you out of personal information the scammer can use to steal your identity!

And remember, NO agency of the federal government will contact you by email, so you can just delete all those scam emails from the IRS, Social Security Administration, FDIC and so on.

Scam Prevention Tip #8:  Cover up.  Protect your number when using an ATM machine...someone may be watching you, even from afar! Scammers have been known to set up across the street and use binoculars or place cameras where they can watch you.

Scam Prevention Tip #9:  Toughen up.  Make sure you use tough passwords for your online accounts, ATM PIN, etc. and change your passwords at least once a year. Don't use birthdates, names or words found in the dictionary for your passwords. Those are the first items scammers try when trying to break into your accounts. Here's how to create a safe password.

Scam Prevention Tip #10:  Just say no.  Lower your chances of getting caught in a phone scams with these two simple tips.  First, DON'T mind your manners too much.  A phone scammer best target!  Don't be afraid to say "no thanks" and hang up the phone!

Second, add your number to the FTC's national Do Not Call List. You can add up to three numbers and they stay on the list for life!

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Read More In: Invest Wisely