Consumers who are seeing their money dwindle as the country's economic crisis deepens need to be aware of another looming financial risk: scammers.

"The more people that are hurting economically, the more people are vulnerable to fraudsters," says John Breyault, the vice president of public policy for the National Consumers League.

Here are common scams:

Fake check scams: A fake check is written for more than the necessary amount with a request to wire the difference.

Average loss: $3,854.78

Prizes/Sweepstakes: Requests for payment to claim prizes that never materialize.

Average loss: $6,601.40

Advance fee loans: False promises of loans, even with bad credit, for an up-front fee.

Average loss: $1,583.02

Lotteries/Lottery clubs: Requests for payment to claim winnings -- sometimes from foreign games -- or for help winning.

Average loss: $8,417.61

PHISHING: A crook pretends to be from a legitimate agency to obtain personal information.

Average loss: $149

MAGAZINE SALES: Scammers misrepresent subscription costs or pretend to be publishers.

Average loss: $118.79

CREDIT CARD OFFERS: False promises of credit cards, even with bad credit, for a fee.

Average loss: $292.58

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS: False promises for help obtaining scholarships or grants, for a fee.

Average loss: $532.28