The Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker keeps track of the various scams some New Jersey residents may fall for and provides ways to avoid them.

The BBB says that homeowners are often at risk for falling for scams.

“When you’re talking about home improvements, it’s usually a significant amount,” says the bureau’s Melissa Companick. “That’s why it remains the No. 1 scam.”

Companick warns homeowners to beware of contractors who only want to be paid in cash or only want to be paid up front. She also says to be wary of contractors who write vague contracts or ones who say they don’t’ even need a contractor.

Other scams include fake check scams. If someone send you a check for too much money, never refund the difference. The chances are that the check is a fake.

The BBB warns people to beware of jobs that promise a large salary for no experience. Those are often scams as well.

The bureau also says to be wary of “shady” websites or advance free loans.

Companick says people should never have to spend money to get money.

“In the event you’re getting a mortgage, something like that, you’re going to have an application fee somewhere along the line,” she says. “But it should be spelled out for you in the contract what they charge you for.”

More information about consumer scams can be found at the BBB’s website.