(Des Moines) Attorney General Brenna Bird recently released the top complaints and scams her office handled in 2025. Rising to the second most reported category were imposter scams. Those include fake job offers, online shopping scams, romance scams, or scammers posing as public officials.
The Attorney General’s office is seeing more and more cases where Iowans — particularly older Iowans — are being targeted by aggressive imposter scams. In some instances, scammers are even attempting to come directly to victims’ homes to collect money or valuables.
The office recently received a call regarding an older Iowan who was contacted by scammers impersonating the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The scammers told her she was in serious trouble and would be arrested if she did not follow their instructions. They tricked her into cashing out her life insurance and annuities and directed her to purchase gold to be delivered to the (supposed) FTC to avoid arrest. They also threatened that she would lose her Social Security benefits if she did not comply.
The scammers told her a courier would come directly to her home to pick up the gold once it was purchased and instructed her not to speak to anyone. The scammers led her to believe she would face even greater consequences if she talked to someone. For nearly two weeks, the victim did not talk to anyone while the scammers called her three to four times per day. Thankfully, her family became involved before any money or assets were turned over, and the scam was not completed.
“Scammers are getting bolder, sometimes even going to Iowan’s houses to collect money or valuables. They are manipulative and prey on good-hearted Iowans who think they are doing the right thing,” said Attorney General Bird. “If you think you are a loved one is involved in a scam, contact my office for assistance.”
To avoid a government imposter scam like this, Iowans should:
-Be Skeptical of Unexpected Contact: Scammers often call or message out of the blue when pretending to be someone they are not. Be on guard, hang up, and directly call law enforcement or a government agency using an independently verified number to determine legitimate contact.
-Be Skeptical of Threats: Government agencies and law enforcement will not make threats of immediate arrest, demand that Iowans keep their conversations secret, ask for payment over the phone, or ask for payment via gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or gold.
-Protect Their Pocketbook: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone, text, or email. Also, never set up an in-person meeting to deliver money or valuables (e.g., gold).
-Talk with Law Enforcement: If Iowans think they might be involved in a scam – especially if someone is claiming to be public official or law enforcement – they should speak directly with their local law enforcement, either face to face or by calling their office directly. Law enforcement can help confirm whether the contact is legitimate.
If you or someone you know is a victim of or suspicious of a scam, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint.
