Greensboro, NC -- The Better Business Bureau just released a list of the latest online schemes to look out for.

One of them is a new scheme targeting those who book hotels online.

Even if you haven't booked the room yet, some people receive a booking confirmation email. The Better Business Bureau warns... the email is actually a bogus company looking to rip you off.

There are ways to protect yourself.

According to BBB of Central North Carolina CEO and President Kevin Hinterberger, you always want to be sure you're making a secure online payment.

In the tool bar at the top of the webpage, look for 'https.'

You want to see 'https,' because that means you are on a secure website.

Hinterberger warns that some bogus companies can set up https payment sites so if it is a company you don't have an ongoing relationship with, call them on the phone, ask questions and check them out.

If you're going to make any payment online, use a credit card or bank debit card, because that adds another layer of security for the transaction.

Also, consider paying with a third party vendor like PayPal.

As far as emails, if they are asking for your personal information Kevin Hinterberger said to never give personal information out.

Also, if an email asks you to click on a link, be skeptical.

"They may want to download some malware into your computer so that they can capture password information and then steal money from your banking account, maybe some type of secure banking transaction," said Hinterberger.

In 2006, consumers lost $1.1 billion dollars from online schemes.

For BBB's full list of top schemes released in the month of June, click here.

WFMY News 2