If you've been a victim of a scam, chances are pretty good you're on a "sucker list" and vulnerable to a new scheme called "reloading".

Here's how it works. After you've been scammed, someone – perhaps posing as a law enforcement officer – shows up at your door and offers to help recover lost money. You are embarrassed that you fell victim in the first place, yet relieved that someone is finally offering to help. But there's a catch: You're asked to write a check for this so-called help. Officials warn that the fee should serve as a red flag.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, ‘reloaders’ – scammers who use the reloading scheme – know that anyone who's been duped once is more likely to fall for a scheme a second time. As a result, crooks create sucker lists that include names, addresses, phone numbers and other personal information of consumers who have already fallen prey to the scams.

You can fall victim to a scam whether you've been tricked before or not. But if you are a victim, watch for signs of a reloading scam:

• No fee required. Don't give money to anyone who asks for a fee to recover money. Legitimate law enforcement officers, consumer enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations have no reason to charge for this kind of assistance.
• Beware urgent requests. Be suspicious of solicitors and telemarketers who demand immediate payment. If you have any doubts about an organization, contact the Better Business Bureau bbb.org to verify credentials.
• Use Common Sense. Think carefully before handing over money too quickly. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Fess up. If you do get scammed a second time, don't be too embarrassed to report it. Information you provide could save another person from the same fate.
• Follow up. To learn more or to file a complaint, vist ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).