Not every con man has access to high-end clientele like Bernie Madoff did. The small-time, unscrupulous scam artist is compelled to find a mark by whatever means available, and the economy has fostered a new breed of scammer, promising people everything from get-rich-quick schemes to seemingly legit jobs.

Even if you're not someone considering torching your own car in order to collect insurance money, you should check out our roundup of recent scams that have been draining the bank accounts of trusting folks. It may save you a few dollars.

Find out about all the  recession-era scams I came across by clicking to Asylum.com