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(NC) - Because the Internet offers easy access to huge audiences at a low cost there is no shortage of con artists using it to make a fast buck off the unwary. Industry Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs recommends that we be especially alert to the following:

• Any offer that sounds too good to be true.

• Any site that asks you to send personal or financial information before showing an offer.

• Promises of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase.

• Any offer accompanied by pressure to send money to take advantage of a special deal.

• Any loan offer that requires you to send money as a condition of obtaining the loan.

• Investment schemes. Don't invest without carefully checking out the investment, product, service and investigating the company.

Consumer Connection (http://consumer.ic.gc.ca) is an award-winning Web site developed by the Office of Consumer Affairs of Industry Canada. It provides rapid access to consumer information, powerful tools to cut research time, and many useful links to consumer and other organizations. Canadians can access Consumer Connection from home, the public library, community access points or from Government of Canada, provincial and territorial service outlets. For a variety of information on everything from bank fees, to privacy rights, to the latest scams or frauds, this is the place to go.