IA Fraud Fighters

08/26/2026

Available in our FREE to download workbook, we provide an easy to use “Double Check Before You Invest” form that ensures you ask ALL the right questions before committing to an investment. 💯

Feel confident and protected with where you choose to spend your money. Available Here: https://iowafraudfighters.gov/traditional-fraud-awareness-workbook/

For additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Iowa Fraud Fighters! ☎️

08/21/2026

✏️📚 It’s back-to-school time, so let’s sharpen our fraud-fighting skills!

Pop Quiz: Which of these is a common scam tactic?

A. Creating a false sense of urgency
B. Pretending to be a trusted company, agency or family member
C. Asking for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
D. Sending suspicious links to steal personal or financial information

Answer: All of the above! ⭐

Scammers hope you will act before you think. Your best defense is simple: pause, verify and never share personal or financial information until you know the request is legitimate.

Your fraud-fighting homework: Learn the warning signs and help someone else recognize them, too!

Visit IowaFraudFighters.gov for trusted tips and resources.

08/19/2026

📵 Do not recognize the number? Do not answer.

A simple consideration that can go a long way with preventing fraud.

Only engage with calls from numbers already in your contacts or clearly identified by caller ID. Let unfamiliar calls go to voicemail so you can review the message before responding.

Once scammers get you on the line, they may use high-pressure tactics, false emergencies and an urgent tone to trick you into sharing personal or financial information.

If anything seems suspicious, always pause and verify using a trusted phone number or official website.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov

08/19/2026

08/14/2026

⚠️ A wrong-number text can turn into a devastating financial scam.

Iowa Fraud Fighters shares a powerful story about how scammers can build trust over time before introducing fraudulent investment opportunities.

Knowing the red flags can help protect you and the people you care about.

Always remember, when something feels urgent, unexpected or too good to be true, always pause and verify with a trusted source.

👉 Read the full story:

The Golden Mirage: How I Lost My Life’s Savings In Blog I always thought of myself as a rational, logical guy. I thought scams came in the form of poorly spelled emails or automated phone calls. Recently, I found out today’s criminals are much more patient and sophisticated when I was targeted b...

08/12/2026

🚩 Insurance fraud can target anyone, especially after an accident, storm or property loss.

Watch for warning signs in insurance documents, including:

• Misspelled company names or poor formatting
• Contact information that does not match the insurer’s official website
• Unexpected policy or claim changes
• Pressure to sign or pay immediately
• Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency or personal financial information
• Blank forms or missing policy and claim numbers

Pause before signing or sharing information. Contact your insurance company directly using trusted contact information to verify anything suspicious.

Learn more at IowaFraudFighters.gov

08/11/2026

🚩 What gave the scam away?

Scam and phishing attempts can arrive by email, text message, phone call or social media, and recognizing the warning signs can help protect others.

Have you encountered a suspicious message recently? Tell us in the comments what happened and which red flag caught your attention. Maybe it included:

• Pressure to act immediately
• A suspicious link or unfamiliar sender
• A request for money, account details or a verification code

Your experience could help another Iowan recognize a similar scam.

Always pause and verify before sharing personal or financial information.

Suspect a scam? Contact the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 515-654-6600, and find trusted fraud-prevention resources at IowaFraudFighters.gov.

08/10/2026

🚩 Would you recognize these common scam warning signs?

Scam messages often create urgency, fear, excitement or confusion to pressure you into responding before you have time to think. They may arrive by phone, text, email or social media.

Be cautious if you receive a message like:

• “We have been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty.”
• “Your bank account has been locked. Click here to restore access.”
• “You have an unpaid toll. Pay immediately to avoid additional fees.”
• “Your package could not be delivered. Confirm your address and payment information.”
• “Congratulations! You won a prize, but you must pay a fee to claim it.”
• “This is the IRS. You owe back taxes and will be arrested if you do not pay today.”
• “Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.”
• “Grandma, it’s me. I’ve been in an accident and need money for a lawyer right away. Please don’t tell Mom or Dad.”
• “Your computer has a virus. Call this number now for technical support.”
• “We noticed a suspicious purchase on your account. Give us your verification code to cancel it.”
• “You were selected for a work-from-home job. Deposit this check and send part of the money back.”
• “I accidentally sent you a payment. Please return the money using this link.”

Even when a message appears familiar or convincing, always pause and verify before clicking a link, sending money or sharing personal or financial information.

Find trusted scam-prevention resources at IowaFraudFighters.gov

08/07/2026

📱 Fraud Fighter Tip: Let Your Phone Help Screen Out Scammers

Scammers often rely on one simple tactic: getting you to answer the phone. An unexpected call can quickly turn into pressure to share personal information, send money or act before you have time to think.

Call-screening features can add an extra layer of protection by helping identify, question or silence unknown callers before you ever engage with them.

Here’s how to turn on call screening on several popular smartphones:

🍎 Apple iPhone
•Open Settings.
•Tap Apps, then Phone.
Scroll to Screen Unknown Callers.
•Choose:
•Ask Reason for Calling: An automated assistant asks the caller for their name and reason for calling before your phone rings.
•Silence: Unknown calls go directly to voicemail.

🤖 Google Pixel
•Open the Phone app.
•Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
•Tap Spam and Call Screen or Call Screen.
•Turn on Automatically screen calls.
•Select your preferred protection level: Basic, Medium or Maximum.

📱 Samsung Galaxy
•Open the Phone app.
•Tap the three dots and select Settings.
•Tap Call screening and turn it on.
•Enable Auto screen calls to have the phone automatically screen unknown or suspicious numbers.

⚠️ Remember: A phone number that looks familiar or local doesn't necessarily mean the caller is legitimate. Scammers can disguise the number appearing on your caller ID.

🛡️ Pause. Verify. Protect yourself.

Learn more about recognizing and preventing scams at IowaFraudFighters.gov

08/06/2026

🎟️ Summer events and festivals are a great way to enjoy the season, but ticket and reservation scams can be common when popular events sell out or demand is high.

Before making a purchase, keep these three tips in mind:

• Buy from the official source: Use the event’s verified website, authorized ticket seller or confirmed reservation platform. Be cautious of links shared through social media comments, texts or unsolicited messages.

• Watch for deals that seem too good to be true: Deeply discounted tickets, pressure to act immediately or requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency are major warning signs.

• Confirm the details before paying: Check the event date, location, seating or reservation information, refund policy and seller contact details. For lodging or rentals, verify that the property and listing are legitimate.

Scammers often take advantage of excitement, limited availability and last-minute planning. Pause, verify and protect your money before you buy.

What is your favorite local summer event or festival? Give it a shoutout in the comments!

Learn more about avoiding scams at IowaFraudFighters.gov