Local experts are weighing in on how to best protect yourself from scams as the number of local victims continues to rise. 

Tony Harris with DeWitt County TRIAD says the DeWitt County Sheriff's Fraud Prevention hotline can be a great resource for anyone who thinks they may have been scammed or someone unsure of if they are being targeted and doesn't want to become a victim.

If you've fallen victim to a scam, Harris says the chances of recovering what you've lost are very slim. In some cases, money lost could be recovered but he indicates those circumstances are few and far between. 

According to Connie Unruh, also with TRIAD, indicates if you have been scammed, reporting it very swiftly is important. She indicates with gift card scams, not all is lost if you report the scam promptly.

Unruh indicates any offer that sounds good to be true, it probably is. She adds, do not give out personal information like your social security number and reminds the public entities like the IRS and Social Security are not going to call you. 

The DeWitt County Sheriff's Fraud Prevention Hotline is 217-935-9507.