Too good to be true? Remember the magic word

Ever notice that credit card commercial, where David Spade plays his recurring role as an annoying, snippy receptionist? You know, the one where he has a one-word vocabulary, "No"?

We could all learn something from him.

His attitude's not something to be admired, but his perseverance is, at least when it comes to pushy callers.

A lot more of us need to learn to say "No," according to Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning.

Bruning announced this week that his office was able to recover more than a million dollars for Nebraska consumers in 2004, and that's nothing to sneeze at.

The state's chief prosecutor promised to continue the fight against fraud, and he probably would be the first to admit that $1 million is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to money taken from Nebraskans by means of deception.

Of the amount recovered, more than one-fifth was from personal services, including fraud complaints against companies ranging from employment agencies to insurance companies.

Another $177,000 involved motor vehicles, such as car repairs, sales, rentals and aftermarket warranties. There was nearly that much recovered from billing complaints against credit card and financial institutions for disputed and erroneous charges.

The top 10 types of complaints lodged in 2004 included:

1. Membership services (1,345, including discount buying club memberships).

2. Identity theft (788, including Nebraska complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission).

3. Motor vehicles (353).

4. Internet transactions (267, including online purchases or sales).

5. Personal and household products (249)

6. Personal services (227)

7. Sweepstakes and lotteries (201)

8. Home improvement (195)

9. Nigerian scam (175)

10. Credit cards (78).

You can see from the list, that there is no limit to the ways consumers can be ripped off. And, scammers are sure to have no lack of creativity when it comes to separating us and our cash.

But if in doubt, especially if something seems too good to be true, don't forget David Spade's favorite word, "No."

That way, you'll be able to answer "My money," when the next person asks, "What's in your wallet?"