CHICAGO — Topping the list of scam activity for 2012 is work-at-home schemes, accounting for over 33 percent of scam inquiries to the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB). This scam is especially tempting to people who are out of work or in need of additional income.

Coming in a close second, with 30 percent of scam inquires is advance fee brokers. Advance fee brokers are usually, if not always, empty promises of a personal or business loan requiring payment of a fee in advance. This scam attracts vulnerable consumers that need cash urgently.

The BBB’s Top 10 scams are ranked based on number of specific inquiries made by consumers to provide insight on the deceptive and sometimes illegal business practices in 2012.