IA Fraud Fighters

06/02/2026

🚨 How often are scam messages really hitting your phone?

According to a recent U.S. News & World Report banking scams survey, 46% of U.S. adults say they receive messages they suspect are scams every single day. 📱⚠️

Even more striking, 77% say they’re targeted at least once a week.
That means scam attempts aren’t rare anymore, they’re part of everyday digital life.

So here’s the question:

👉 How many scam messages do YOU think you get in a typical day?

Drop your guess (or your real number) in the comments 👇

🛑 Two quick warning signs of a scam message:
Urgency or pressure to act immediately (“your account will be locked,” “respond now”)
Requests for sensitive info or unexpected links (passwords, bank details, verification links)

Learn More, here:

With the help of AI, respondents say, scams are getting harder to detect.

05/29/2026

Scammers often rely on pressure, fear, or excitement to get you to act quickly. Before sending money in any situation, pause and verify.

Ask yourself:

• Did this person contact me unexpectedly?
• Are they pressuring me to act right now?
• Are they asking me to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, payment app, or cash?
• Are they telling me to keep it secret or not talk to family, friends, or my bank?

If the answer to any of these is yes, stop before you send anything. Contact a trusted source, call the organization directly, or talk to someone you trust.

When money is involved, always pause and verify first.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov

05/27/2026

Our team of fraud-fighting experts are headed to Oskaloosa and Riverside tomorrow, and Cedar Rapids and Newton on Friday. Hear Matt Mortvedt, fraud bureau chief with the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services talk about the Stop the Scammers Tour on Doug Wagner's morning show.

The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is kicking off their 2026 Stop the Scammers Tour - Iowa Fraud Fighters. Doug spoke with Matt Mortvedt, the department’s Fraud Bureau Chief about what they can expect at the events, one in Riverside on the 28th and another in Cedar Rapids on t...

05/27/2026

Scammers count on confusion, pressure, and urgency. Before you send money, share personal information, click a link, or trust an unexpected message, take time to check with a reliable source.

Depending on the situation, you can verify information through:

• Your bank or credit card company using the same number on your card or statement
• The official website or phone number of the business, charity, or government agency
• Local law enforcement, especially if money has been lost
• The Iowa Attorney General’s Office for consumer scams
• The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services for insurance, investment, securities, and Medicare fraud resources

The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services can be reached at 515-654-6600. Iowa Fraud Fighters also provides tips, reporting resources, and fraud prevention education for Iowans.

When in doubt, don’t use the link, number, or contact information a suspicious message gives you. Go directly to a trusted source.

Visit IowaFraudFighters.gov to learn more.

05/25/2026

Scam Red Flag of the Week: Someone asks for your verification code. 🚩

If you receive a text or email with a security code, that code is meant for you only. Scammers may pretend to be from your bank, a company, or even someone you know and ask you to share it.

Never give out a verification code, password, or PIN to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

When in doubt, pause and verify.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov.

Read more, share with someone you love, and find free fraud prevention tools at IowaFraudFighters.gov

05/22/2026

Thanks for having us!

Wow, what an awesome turnout today in Keosauqua! Thank you to everyone who came out to our Fraud Fighters event, and a special shoutout to our incredible partners, First Iowa State Bank and Libertyville Savings Bank. Together, we're keeping our communities safe! 🤝

Want to host a Fraud Fighters event in your own town? We'd love to connect! Head over to our website to get started. 💻🛡️

https://iowafraudfighters.gov/

05/22/2026

Some information should only be shared when you contact the business, bank, agency, or person directly through a trusted phone number or official website.

Do not engage if someone contacts you first and asks for:

• Your Social Security number
• Your bank account or routing number
• Your password, PIN, or verification code
• Your Medicare, insurance, or credit card information

If they are calling, texting, emailing, or messaging you unexpectedly and asking for this kind of information, stop and verify. Do not use the link or phone number they provide.

When in doubt, pause and verify. It’s probably a scam.

05/20/2026

If someone asks you to keep a financial transaction secret, lie to your bank, or avoid telling family or friends what’s going on, that is a major red flag.

Scammers often try to isolate people. They may say things like:

• “I need this information NOW”
• “Do not speak to anyone at the bank”
• “You cannot tell your family”
• “This needs to stay confidential.”

That kind of pressure is not normal, and it’s not legitimate. If anyone is asking you to hide information or be dishonest, it’s probably a scam.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov

05/18/2026

Scam Red Flag of the Week: “Too good to be true” offers. 🚩

A surprise prize, guaranteed investment return, free vacation, or limited-time deal can be exciting, but scammers often use big promises to get your money or personal information.

Before you click, pay, or share anything, slow down and ask: Does this make sense? Can I verify it through an official source?

When in doubt, pause and verify.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov

05/15/2026

A text, email, or call claiming there is suspicious activity on your bank account can feel urgent, but scammers often use that fear to get you to click a fake link, share personal information, or call a fraudulent number.

If the alert is legitimate, your bank should be able to provide clear information, such as:

• Your bank’s official name
• A secure way to contact them through the same number on your card or bank statement
• General details about the suspicious transaction, such as the date, amount, or merchant
• Instructions that do not require sharing your password, PIN, or verification code
• Confirmation through your official mobile banking app or online account

When in doubt, do not click the link. Contact your bank directly using a trusted phone number or website.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov.