... You were strongly recommended to us by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry ... it is on this note that I consider it proper to write you asking for your permission, consent and support to transfer this money into your account. You should not fear any risk ..."

Imagine receiving a letter with the excerpts above. Does it sound crazy? Well, hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- of Connecticut businesses have received such letters asking for sensitive financial information so that Nigerian officials can transfer millions of dollars to the United States.

The officials claim they need help and will gladly pay U.S. businesses 20 percent to 30 percent of the amount if they cooperate in getting the money out of Nigeria. Sadly, it is estimated that this fraud has cost businesses nearly $200 million nationwide as those who receive the information use it not to deposit money, but to plunder bank accounts.

This scam -- currently under investigation by state and federal authorities and recently resulting in an arrest in Georgia -- is the latest in an ongoing onslaught faced by businesses. The scam artists simply aim to get hard-earned money into the hands of con artists.

Whether it is phony bills, fake prizes and promotions, too-good-to-be-true deals on office supplies or great franchise opportunities, scam artists target small businesses every day.

My office, working in conjunction with other state agencies, has brought lawsuits to stop these frauds. But your best defense against fraud is knowledge. Though some of the scams are blatantly fraudulent, many small businesses fall prey to the less-obvious scams such as phony billings or unscrupulous charities.

Here are some tips you can take to protect yourself and your business:

1. When being asked to make a charitable donation, check to see if those raising money are paid solicitors or volunteers and make sure the charity is not a "sound alike" charity trying to take advantage of the reputation of another charity.

2. When considering coupon book promotions, assess the total cost of the book and the terms so that you do not find that you are obligated to a far greater extent than you expect.

3. Be sure you know the business you are dealing with: If you are being billed for "yellow page" advertising, it is really the correct telephone book for your advertising? If you are being sold office supplies, often companies will lead you to believe they already have a relationship with your business when in fact they do not.

If you have questions, call or write the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Consumer Protection or your local Better Business Bureau.

Every dollar counts for all businesses, but it is perhaps most critical for the small businesses that are struggling to either get started or stay afloat in these difficult economic times.

If you would like more information, you can obtain a copy of my office's publication, "Protect Your Business Against Fraud -- A Guide for Connecticut Small Business," by e-mailing me :