While it may be obvious to your teen to steer clear of get-rich-quick schemes and phony contests, some types of fraud are not so easily detected. Unfortunately, thieves adapt as consumers become educated–fraud has seeped its way into more trustworthy covers including charities, credit repair, loans, travel, online auctions and work-from-home offers. Following are some ways to help your teen to avoid fraud–

Practice Due Diligence. Before making any purchase, they should find out if any complaints have been registered with the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office. While a clean complaint record is not a guarantee, it is a step in the right direction. A good first step is always the Better Business Bureau (http://welcome.bbb.org).

Be Wary Of High Pressure Appeals. Counsel them to be skeptical if someone thanks them for a pledge they don't remember making. Legitimate companies should not intimidate your son or daughter into making an on-the-spot donation or purchase.

Be Skeptical. If someone promises them an easy way to make fast cash, they should be wary. As the old saying goes, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."

Remember The Budget. Even if a solicitation proves to be legitimate, they should ask themselves if it's really something they want to do.

Head Them Off At The Pass. Your young adult should put their landline and cell phone on the "do not call" list at www.donotcall.gov. Under federal law, telemarketers are required to comply. If telemarketers continue to call, they can be sued in small claims court for $500. For information on how to stop unsolicited email spam, review your state's laws at www.spamlaws.com.

Health Insurance Fraud. Your young adult should never sign blank insurance claim forms or give broad authorization to anyone to bill for services. Keep detailed records of all health care appointments and make sure they are aware of any equipment ordered for them by a physician.

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs. They can talk with their pharmacist or doctor if their prescription medicine looks suspicious. They should never purchase medications from Web sites that don't require a prescription.

If your young adult suspects a scam, call the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060. You can help them to be informed–they can get more information about money scams by visiting www.idtheftcenter.com or www.consumer.gov.

Courtesy of Money Management International (www.moneymanagement.org)

When you have the time, check out these great resources:

What Color Is Your Parachute for Teens: Discovering Yourself, Defining Your Future
Kids Can Make Money Too! : How Young People Can Succeed Financially--Over 200 Ways to Earn Money and How to Make it Grow