Today’s column is a collection of ideas, suggestions, recommendations and cautions all geared toward making you aware of just a few of the currently noteworthy scams and frauds. Hopefully, you will use the information to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of these crimes and, in the process, have a happier 2013.

Economic forecasters are predicting that the financial picture for the country doesn’t look especially optimistic for 2013. That means our money and possessions are all the more valuable to us and all the more tempting to criminals who will attempt to get them from us.