I can't help it! The 2008 listitis has taken over. Listitis is my word for the dreaded affliction of compiling a list out of the best, worst, most ridiculous, most memorable and any other category you choose for 2008. Year-end lists are like fender benders on I-84 at 5 p.m. Someone has to stop and study - so the rest of us join in.

Here we go with the top scams and rip-offs of 2008.

1. FAKE CHECKS

Banks and credit unions are actually suing the customers who deposit fraudulent checks and spend money that doesn't exist. The Better Business Bureau is getting slammed with questions on this scam.

There are two versions. The secret shopper version asks the victim to deposit a very real-looking check and use a small portion of the money to shop a variety of well-know stores while filling out a survey on the experience. One of the secret shopping missions is a well-known wire transfer service. That's where the scam artist makes bank. Cash is transferred before the fraudulent check bounces.

The other fake check scam is the foreign lottery. The envelope arrives with instructions to deposit a check and wire cash to cover taxes and fees tied to big lottery winnings.

In both cases, the victim is out the money but is responsible for every cent spent.

2. PAVERS

One out-of-state crew made a pass through Idaho this year and had quite the experience. Law enforcement and the BBB worked fast to run them out of town. The guy behind the fly-by-night blacktop operation actually called me asking how to get the BBB to back off because he was having a tough time going door-to-door convincing people he had a little extra asphalt and could make them a good deal.

3. CRAIGSLIST

Cars, houses, job seekers, pets, you name it - if it's listed on the popular online classified ad site, it's ripe for a scam artist. We recommend exercising great caution when selling or buying online. Top scams involve overpayment for items with fraudulent funds while asking for a cash refund, and listing items that don't exist while asking for payment via wire.

4. PHISHING

Banks, shippers and the BBB are most often cloned for this scam. Don't fall for the e-mail claiming to be from a bank, UPS, FedEx or the BBB asking you to verify your identity by clicking a link. That link can lead to destruction of your computer and loss of your identity. Hit the delete key.

5. FAKE STIMULUS TAX CHECKS

Talk of a government stimulus gives scam artists the vehicle to convince you they can take you on the fast track to riches. The road leads to losing money. The thief claims to be with the government and says it needs to verify your Social Security number to expedite payment. Just say, "No, thanks."

SOME ADVICE FOR NEXT YEAR

For 2009, be resolute about protecting yourself and family from scam artists. Never be pressured, and always research before buying.

Dale Dixon is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau, a not-for-profit organization serving Southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. Reach him at 342-4649 or ddixon@boise.bbb.org.