RIP-OFF ALERT: More than 20 websites are marketing products they claim will either cure or prevent the swine flu, according to the FDA. One in particular markets a package containing shampoo, lotion, conditioner and soap for $200 that supposedly protects you by depositing traces of silver on your skin.

The reality is that there are legitimate medications available if you are diagnosed with swine flu.

Yet pandemics remain a scary thing. The Black Plague killed 1 in 3 people throughout Europe. The flu epidemic at the end of World War I sickened 1 in 3 people on Earth, and about 10% of them died.

There were no medications available at either time.

But today, we do have medications. Just look at how the avian flu was contained several years ago. The media coverage of swine flu has now generated fear that's disproportionate to the fact that science offers so much more protection today than it ever did in the past.

Meanwhile, on a totally unrelated scam topic, Barron's reports that our Secret Service is not doing anything to pursue criminals who operate Nigerian scams. These long-running scams involve all the phony checks and pleas to wire money around the world.

A recent Barron's article profiled one man who has targeted 13.5 million Americans with a work-at-home e-mail scam. He's made over $40 million since December 2008! And he's one of about 100 people around the world who run these kinds of scams, according to British authorities.

So even though this is an "oldie but baddie," you still need to beware!