RIP-OFF ALERT: The fact that scams are on the rise in a slowing economy should come as no surprise to anyone. People are getting desperate for money, and there are plenty of scamsters who would love to separate you from some of yours.

The Chicago Tribune recently ran a story that listed some hot scams to avoid. Here are a few highlights:

• The advance fee loan scam -- This oldie but baddie hasn't changed much over the years. It still targets cash-strapped entrepreneurs and small business owners with promises of hooking them up with a loan for a broker's fee.

• Mystery shopping scams -- This veteran scam comes as a promise to show you how to get free goods or money if you pay a fee.

• Foreclosure scams -- Unlike the first two, this is a relatively new ploy. If you are facing foreclosure, beware of people peddling promises that they can help keep you in your house.

• Clean up your bad credit -- This old standard has been particularly hot since September. You've seen the offers from companies that promise to remove debts from your record for an upfront fee. Know that the money would be better used to pay your debt down.

• Get-rich-quick schemes -- That new business opportunity touted as unbelievable is probably nothing but trouble for you.

There's a natural human tendency to look for easy, instant answers during desperate times. But the real answer is almost always more fundamental. You got into debt step-by-step and that's exactly how you need to get out of it.