And read the small print. The FTC also suggests you challenge anything you are unhappy with. The problem is that few con sites leave you with a way of getting in touch with them. So if there's no phone number or address on a site, stay well clear. If the address is some remote island known for offering tax free shelter to criminals and porn merchants, I'd stay well clear as well.
Most online scams are variants of ancient con jobs re-invented for the Internet.
Or, for people who didn't become very wealthy after shelling out a few hundred dollars for the lazy man's guide to getting rich. The FTC's Top 10 Internet con jobs can be found here . After sending their money, consumers say they've received an item which is less valuable than promised, or, worse yet, nothing at all. FTC advice When bidding through an Internet auction, particularly for a valuable item, check out the seller and insist on paying with a credit card or using an escrow service. Then pay exorbitant long-distance charges on their phone bill.