In my 20 years in the financial services industry, I cannot remember a time when scam artists have had it so good. Those invested in stocks have experienced three straight years of declines in the S&P 500. People are sure there must be some overlooked market sector or venture capital opportunity where their losses can be recaptured.

Even previously smug fixed income investors who watched their friends bet it all on the technology bubble have seen their money market returns dip below 1 percent. Now they are willing to take a little risk for a "guaranteed high return."

Yes folks, we investors were spoiled in the '90s and we are impatient for good news. That makes us easy prey for telemarketers and the con artists of the Internet. State securities regulators just released their annual "Top 10 Investment Scams" list. See if any are familiar (I hope not):

1. Unlicensed individuals, such as life insurance agents, selling securities. If someone tries to sell you an investment, perform some due diligence on the individual as well as the investment. Does the individual have expertise in what they are trying to sell you?

2. Affinity group fraud. Many scammers use their victim's religious or ethnic identity to gain their trust — knowing that it's human nature to trust people who are like you — and then steal their life savings. Do not trust someone just because they are a Christian or because you go to church with them.

3. Payphone and ATM sales. In early March, 25 states and the District of Columbia announced actions against companies that scammed roughly 4,500 people for more than $75 million by selling coin-operated, customer-owned telephones. Watch out for any scheme that promises to make you your own boss and offers you increased leisure time. Building a business by buying overpriced vending machines and locating them in "undiscovered locations" falls into this category.

4. Promissory notes. Short-term debt instruments issued by little-known or non-existent companies that promise high returns — upwards of 15 percent monthly — with little or no risk. It amazes me to see how many investors will set aside their common sense when the words "bank", "promissory", and "guaranteed" are used in the pitch.

5. Internet fraud. Scammers use the wide reach and supposed anonymity of the Internet to "pump and dump" thinly traded stocks, peddle bogus offshore "prime bank" investments, and publicize pyramid schemes. I received an offer today that, for only $39.95, promises I can watch Internet earnings flood into my bank account. Never invest via an unsolicited Internet plea.

6. Ponzi/pyramid schemes. Always in style, these swindles promise high returns to investors, using money from previous investors to pay new investors. I know of one lady who lost 100 percent of her 401(k) in a Ponzi scheme sponsored by a member of her church (located just two miles from my house). Total losses exceeded $5 million. Characteristics of a Ponzi scheme are extraordinarily high returns and a fear of missing out if you do not get in on the deal soon.