They’re called catfishers and their smarmy online activity is known as catfishing.

Nope, it has nothing to do with wetting a line in your favorite stream or brook. It does, however, have everything to do with gullible but well-meaning people being bilked out of their money.

And according to one recent study, the state of Michigan ranked quite high in terms of numbers of victims of these so-called romance scams. According to this study, Americans lose hundreds of millions of dollars each year and that amount, in all likelihood, will continue to go up.

Here’s an informal, indeed, common sense list of ways to avoid becoming a victim:

• Never give money: Do not give anyone you meet online money, no matter the reason.

• Do not give personal information: Scammers can use basic information to commit identity fraud, get access to your banks and steal your money.

• Take things slow: If you like someone online, do not let them rush you. Many romance scammers will be pushy about falling in love right away. If that is the case, know something is not right.

• Meet or video chat: Do not form a relationship with someone who will not video chat with you or meet you in person.

Sounds like common sense? It is, yet untold numbers of people are victimized by these scammers each year.

Be smart. Stay alert and don’t let it happen to you.