As you get your finances in order, beware of scam artists.

Tax scams. The combination of fear of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and anxiety over tax reporting can make many people especially vulnerable to identity (ID) thieves who send emails claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS does not send emails about your tax return. If you receive an email from anyone claiming to be the IRS, don't open any attachments—the attachment could infect your computer with a virus or send your personal information straight to ID thieves.

Job-search scams. Some ID thieves gather information from resumes posted online, so they seem familiar when they call and pose as a prospective employer asking for your Social Security number and other details for a background check. Also beware of work-at-home opportunities that ask you to pay an upfront fee to get started.

Credit-card scams. Scam artists posing as bank employees send emails or make calls offering to lower interest rates. Instead of clicking on the link or responding to a phone call, call your credit-card company to see if the offer is legitimate.

For FBI scam warnings, see the FBI site. For ID theft resources, see the FTC site.