'A Con Artist's Gold Rush'

Vladeck urged consumers to file a complaint if they suspect being a victim of a business opportunity fraud.

A group that monitors Internet crime says complaints jumped 33 percent in 2008.

(ABC News Photo Illustration)

But many consumers may not know who to call.

Steward said she contacted her local police, the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. attorney's office -- all of which were unable to help her. She finally reached the FTC and successfully filed a complaint.

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Vladeck acknowledged that the agency needs to do more to educate consumers about the FTC and how to report alleged scams.

He said another priority is working to create a comprehensive national database of consumer complaints from individual states.

The best way to avoid being a victim?

"Don't pay any money up front to anybody that claims they can solve your financial problems," said Cooper.