Recession. Foreclosure. Layoffs. Debt. Yep, like it or not, that's the reality of today's economic environment. And in a tough economy, the cybercriminals get tougher. Security experts say to prepare for a windfall of malware, baited by offers for home refinancing and low-interest loans that exploit users' economic fears.

But, no matter how attractive the offer (like the supposed Free Foreclosure Search at left, tracked down by SonicWall researchers), the chances that you will gain access to truly valuable information, receive government money, or get that zero-down home mortgage, are pretty slim. Here are a few examples of how cybercriminals are taking advantage of users' fears and the weak economy.