Iowa Fraud Fighters Q1 Newsletter

Dear Iowa Fraud Fighter,

It’s officially spring, and the 2026 Stop the Scammers Tour has officially hit the road! This year, Iowa’s leading fraud prevention experts will make 20 stops across the state, bringing awareness, resources, and real-time support to Iowans navigating today’s increasingly sophisticated scams and fraud tactics. From AI impersonation schemes to gift card scams, the threats are evolving, and so are we.

That’s why Iowa Fraud Fighters and this tour matter more than ever.

By meeting Iowans where they are, we’re making it easier to recognize red flags, take action with confidence, and stay one step ahead of scammers. Because when communities are informed and connected to trusted resources, we’re not just responding to fraud, we’re preventing it. We hope you’ll continue to join us in this mission!

Please keep reading for the latest stories, scam alerts, news, and more.

Vern’s Story

Scammers conned Vern out of almost 90% of his retirement savings using emotionally urgent and manipulative tactics. Over the course of four years, Vern was subject to their false claims and lies about their identity. Now he’s sharing his story in hopes of preventing others from facing similar circumstances.

Scammers may contact you claiming you’ve won a lottery, Publishers Clearing House prize, or another large reward. They may even pose as celebrities or well-known organizations to make the offer seem legitimate.

The “prize” often includes large amounts of money, a vehicle, or both. The only catch? You’re told you must first pay taxes, fees, or shipping costs before receiving your winnings.

Once payment is sent, the prize never arrives—and the scammer disappears.

Protect Yourself:

• Legitimate prizes and sweepstakes do not require upfront payment to claim winnings.

• Be cautious of unexpected calls, messages, or emails saying you’ve won something you didn’t enter.

• Scammers may impersonate trusted organizations, government agencies, or even celebrities.

• Never send money using unusual payment methods like:

What To Do:

• STOP COMMUNICATION

• Contact a trusted friend, family member, your bank or credit union.

• Report it! This can help protect you, your loved ones or your neighbor.

Excerpt from the Iowa Insurance Division’s Consumer Connection: Protecting “Iowa Nice”

In Iowa, we take pride in being “Iowa Nice.” Whether it’s waving at a passing car or holding the door for a stranger, being welcoming is in our DNA. Unfortunately, scammers are now using that kindness against us. They’re sliding into DMs, dating apps, and “wrong number” texts using fake profiles and even AI-generated voices to build trust.

While our instinct is to be polite and respond, the best defense is actually to ignore the stranger.

Why It Matters: The Numbers

Fraud is hitting our communities hard. According to the FTC, Iowans lost $52 million to fraud in 2024. Even more concerning, the Iowa Insurance Division saw a 102% increase in senior financial exploitation cases in 2025. Last year alone, these cases totaled nearly $19.4 million, with romance scams and government impersonation leading the pack.

Iowa City Warns About Email Scam Targeting Residents

Scammers are impersonating city employees via authentic-looking emails, pressuring Iowa City residents to make payments and pay fees. Local officials warn individuals to watch for requests for a Social Security number, login credentials, or bank account details, as city employees will never ask for this information.

Gift Card Fraud Surges as Scammers Get More Sophisticated

The National Conference of State Legislatures reports on the growth of gift card scams nationwide. Legislators in Iowa, among other states, have introduced legislation to create criminal offenses and impose greater penalties for gift card scammers.