Con artist and swindlers are very good at what they do. They can make the bogus look legitimate. That’s why you need to stop, think and check it out, before you respond to any offer from any unknown company.

A simple phone call or search on the Web could keep you from losing thousands of dollars. Remember: give your money to a con artist and chances are you’ll never see it again.

You state’s Attorney General or Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get information on phone, mail and e-mail solicitations. It’s also where you can report scams or bad business practices.

Here are some other national resources.

NATIONAL FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER: The center’s trained counselors help consumers identify the danger signs of possible fraud and direct them to the right places for more information, if needed. Consumers can also report suspected telemarketing or Internet fraud through the NFIC hotline or web site. These reports are relayed to a variety of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, alerting them to problems that they may wish to investigate and providing them with the ammunition they need to stop fraud. Phone: (800) 876-7060

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU: The BBB is not a government agency. It’s a private, not-for-profit organization that provides “reliability reports” on businesses and charities throughout the US and Canada. The BBB can help mediate or arbitrate disputes between buyers and sellers. This national site will also help you locate a Better Business Bureau office near you.

CONSUMER-ACTION: Consumer Action is a national non-profit education and advocacy organization offering many free services to consumers across the country. Call the multi-lingual Consumer Hotline and talk to a counselor in English, Spanish or Chinese. This site offers numerous publications, including a guide on how to complain. Phone: (415) 777-9635

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: The FTC enforces a variety of federal consumer protection laws, which are designed to eliminate unfair or deceptive business practices. While the commission does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint will help them investigate fraud and could lead to law enforcement action. Phone: (877) 382-4357

The Web Site is loaded with consumer information. You can also file a complaint online.

BBB’s WISE GIVING ALLIANCE: The Alliance reports on charitable organizations that solicit nationally. Find out about the group’s programs, fundraising and expenses. These reports also tell you if the organization meets the voluntary BBB charity standards. Phone: (703) 276-0100

CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK: This wonderful resource is now available online. It includes a wide range of consumer topics from buying a home to preventing ID theft. The Resource Directory makes it easy to contact a specific company or your local consumer protection office. There’s also information on how to complain, including a sample complaint letter.

SNOPES: This site tracks urban legends new and old. If you get a mass e-mail and want to know if the information is real or a hoax, head to snopes.com.