The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, in partnership with the Iowa Attorney General’s office and AARP Iowa, launched a statewide “Stop the Scammers” fraud education campaign and 18-stop roadshow.
The campaign aims to educate Iowans about the types of scams sweeping the state and how they can protect themselves, especially when it comes to online scams in the digital era.
“As scammers grow more clever in their tactics, we’re working around the clock to protect Iowans and slam the scam,” said Attorney General Brenna Bird. “Scammers are manipulative, and they take advantage of ‘Iowa nice.’ That’s why we’re laser-focused in the Iowa Attorney General’s office to help fraud victims, teach Iowans the red flags of a scam, and hold scammers accountable.”
Over the past decade, scammers have adapted to using strategic, emotional, and creative ways to trick hard-working Iowans into giving them money.
“We are looking forward to educating Iowans on how to spot and avoid scams,” said Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen. “With the ever-growing presence of scammers, it’s important for Iowans to have the tools and information to protect themselves from being scammed.”
The Stop the Scammers Roadshow kicked off in Des Moines and will include 17 additional stops around the state over the next two months. A light meal will be served at each event.
“Scammers are more sophisticated than ever at using the internet and other digital tools to take advantage of Iowans,” explained AARP Iowa State Director Brad Anderson. “Understanding the current tactics these fraudsters are using is the key to avoiding them.”
Locations for the Stop the Scammer Roadshow include Ames, Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Newton, Creston, Davenport, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Johnston, Marshalltown, Mason City, Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa, Sioux City, and Waterloo.
To attend an event please RSVP at https://iowafraudfighters.gov/stop-the-scammers-event/ or call (515) 635-1991. All stops on the roadshow are open to the media.