WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Susan Feinberg was stunned to find out that criminals stole her identity and raided her home-equity line of credit.

"We discovered that they had cashed checks for $17,000," Feinberg says.

Susan isn't surer how the crooks got her social security number and her mother's maiden name.

But frequently, people are fooled into sharing those details online.

Consumer Reports reveals America's worst scams that tap into the changing technology.

"We cautioned against phishing emails that trick you to reveal your personal information.  But, now scammers have figured out how to lure you on your cell phone," says Kim Kleman.

It's called smishing.  A phony link from a major retailer appears in a text message offering a gift voucher.  The goal, to grab your information.

Even email phishing scams have gotten more sophisticated.  One bogus email looks like a flight confirmation.  And, another fraudulent one looks like a UPS invoice.

Kleman says, "Old fashioned scams also work.  We found plenty that come in the mail, as a knock on the door or over the phone."

Callers who say they're from a reputable company offer to slash your credit-card interest rate or fix a computer virus they've detected.

You just need to pay a fee or disclose sensitive financial information.

Fortunately, Susan's bank agreed she was not responsible fo the $17,000 theft.

She also set up a fraud alert with the three major credit reporting bureaus.

Consumer experts also recommend a security freeze which blocks access to your credit report.

Bottom line, you should never give out your personal information or money to someone who seeks you out. 

Protect Yourself From the Latest Scams

And, people who are scammed can be targeted by another scam.  Crooks who promise to recover your stolen money. 

They charge hundreds of dollars and do not recover your losses.