Recently, a Detective from the Sioux City Police Department led an informative discussion on fraud prevention, sharing practical steps to report scams and safeguard personal information.
How to Report a Scam:
If you suspect fraudulent activity, take action immediately:
🚔 Sioux City Police Department (Non-Emergency): (712) 279-6960
🛡️ Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- Online: REPORTFRAUD.FTC.GOV
- Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
- Complaint Portal: FTC.GOV/COMPLAINT
💳 Credit Bureau Fraud Reporting:
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
🕵️ Internet Crime Complaint Center (FBI): IC3.GOV
When reporting, be prepared to provide:
✔️ How you were contacted
✔️ Date & time of contact
✔️ Any names or government agencies used by the scammer
✔️ What they told you & how much money they requested
✔️ The payment method they instructed you to use
✔️ Any addresses, emails or phone numbers involved
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim:
✅ Never share personal information like your bank account, credit card number or Social Security number.
✅ Block telemarketing calls by using the Do Not Call Registry.
✅ Screen your phone calls—let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
✅ Resist pressure to act immediately—scammers use urgency to manipulate victims.
✅ Talk to someone you trust—friends or family can help you recognize a scam.
✅ Prefer local, face-to-face transactions—this reduces the risk of fraud.
✅ Follow this simple rule: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Together, we can stay vigilant and protect our community from scams. Stay informed, stay cautious and report suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
