Are you looking for something predictable in these tumultuous times? You can count on the scam artists. They'll always be there, looking for ways to capitalize on the headlines to take your money.

Economic stimulus is one of the big stories this week. An Internet search of news stories containing the phrase "economic stimulus" turned up 36,462 results. That's for one week! Enter our predictable scam artists. The following two cases have popped up on the Better Business Bureau's radar:

One company is sending letters and fake $7,000 stimulus checks. The check clearly says, "This is not a negotiable instrument subject to Article 3 of the UCC." The back indicates "Non-Negotiable - Do Not Cash." However, the letter reads that all you have to do is "register today to receive your secondary stimulus check." A phone call to the number on the letter leads to a recorded message saying if you'll contribute $49.95 in economic stimulus, you can learn how to make money in the real estate market. The fee is for a foreclosure market kit.

HERE ARE THE RED FLAGS:

• The Web site does not disclose where this company is located. When the BBB called the number to learn more, we were put on indefinite hold with no response.

• The company asks for an upfront fee for a kit that can't be reviewed or researched.

• The copyright notice for the Web site shows the registered copyright agent for this company has a New Delhi, India, address.

So, the scam artists try to lure people in with the appearance of an economic stimulus grant. Anyone following through on the mailing discovers a company offering to sell a kit.

The next case involves a brazen phone call with the scam artist promising government grants to fulfill your wildest dreams. Start a business, buy a house, go on vacation - you name it, there's untapped government money waiting for you. The scam artists know you're seeing the same economic stimulus headlines in the news. They try to make you believe they have the key to unlock the Federal Treasury - for a fee. "Yes, for only $20, we'll show you where to find thousands of dollars."

I'll tell you, for free: www.grants.gov. Search the site. You'll find legitimate government grants. Most are tied to specific research projects. All are intended for institutions and nonprofits to carry out projects with a public purpose. None will send you on vacation. Most require you come up with nongovernment matching funds.

If you get a $5,000 grant, you must match it, dollar for dollar, with private money. None require you pay a fee to get the money. Most will require you to develop innovative partnerships and submit pages and pages of reports. None will hand over the money with no "strings attached."

If it's too late and you've already started giving information to someone claiming to be with government or an organization promising boatloads of government money, stop everything. Call your bank immediately and lock down your account.

You're welcome to check any and all offers with the BBB. The information is always free.

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.