This community event aims to equip Iowans and their families with the tools to recognize and prevent seasonal financial fraud.
DES MOINES, Iowa — As families prepare to gather for the holidays, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)—in partnership with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, AARP Iowa, and Safeguard Iowa—is hosting a holiday themed Stop the Scammers dinner on Thursday night, November 19th at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona.
Scammers frequently exploit the busy holiday season through phony package delivery alerts, spoofed seasonal online storefronts, grandparent impostor scams, and misleading charity appeals. This event brings together state fraud investigators, frontline community defenders, and everyday Iowans who have been targeted by scams to share practical strategies for keeping families’ hard-earned savings safe.
“Scams are becoming more sophisticated, but they almost always rely on familiar tactics such as creating artificial urgency, playing on our emotions, or asking for unusual payment methods,” said Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen. “When you know what red flags to look for, you take away their power. Our goal is simple: to make sure you leave with the knowledge and confidence to protect your hard-earned savings, your personal information, and your peace of mind.”
WHAT:
Stop the Scammers Holiday Dinner— A free educational dinner and fraud-prevention workshop featuring:
- Faces of Fraud: Real stories from Iowans impacted by scams and insights from frontline community defenders.
- ’Tis the Season for Scams: A breakdown of common holiday scam tactics, including fake delivery texts, Amazon impersonators, and spoofed storefronts.
- Protect Your Pack: Actionable tips on spotting behavioral red flags when visiting loved ones over the holidays, plus a live Q&A with state fraud experts.
NOTE: Persons wishing to attend must register in advance at IowaFraudFighters.gov. The dinner is free, but seating is limited.
WHEN:
- Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Dinner and official welcome begin at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Prairie Meadows Events & Conference Center
1 Prairie Meadows Dr. Altoona, IA 50009
MEDIA RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend or wishing to schedule one-on-one interviews with Commissioner Doug Ommen or Fraud Bureau Chief Matt Mortvedt are encouraged to RSVP by Wednesday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m. to Craig Robinson at 515-744-8639 or craig.robinson@iid.iowa.gov.
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