This is the second entry by the Tama County Sheriff’s Office in a two-part series addressing phishing scams and how best to protect yourself.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think you might have been scammed, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect yourself. Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay calm: It’s totally normal to feel upset, but try to stay composed. Keeping a clear head will help you handle the situation more effectively.

2. Gather information: Take the time to gather all the details about the scam. Save any emails, text messages, or call records from the scammer. Write down dates, times, and any other important information that could be useful later.

3. Cut off contact: If the scam is still ongoing, stop all communication with the scammer. Hang up the phone, don’t respond to their messages, and don’t give them any more personal information.

4. Secure your accounts: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you shared them with the scammer. Use strong, unique passwords and consider adding two-factor authentication for extra security. Also, update any passwords you’ve used elsewhere, just to be safe.

5. Contact your financial institutions: If you gave the scammer any banking or credit card information, contact your bank or credit card company right away. Let them know about the scam and ask them to take precautions to protect your accounts.

6. Report the scam: Report the scam to your local law enforcement agency. By reporting it, you’re helping authorities investigate and potentially recover any losses.

7. Inform your contacts: Tell your friends and family about the scam so they can be cautious and avoid falling for the same trick.

8. Monitor your credit: Keep an eye on your credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity or unauthorized accounts. You might want to consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your files for extra protection. For information about accessing your credit report for free on an annual basis, check out the website: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports

9. Watch out for follow-up scams: Scammers may try to target you again, so be cautious of any calls or messages promising to help you recover your losses. Always verify the legitimacy of individuals or organizations before sharing personal information.

10. Educate yourself: Learn about different scams and how to prevent fraud. Stay updated on the latest tactics scammers use, so you can protect yourself in the future.

Remember, acting quickly is essential if you suspect you’ve been scammed. By following these steps and being proactive, you can minimize the impact of the scam and protect yourself from further harm.