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(Iowa Capital Dispatch) - An Iowa pharmacist imprisoned for his role in a million-dollar scheme to defraud retailers will be allowed to keep his pharmacist’s license, regulators have ruled. The Iowa ...

DES MOINES, Iowa — A man from East Hartford was recently sentenced in an Iowa federal courtroom to nearly a decade in prison for helping orchestrate a romance scam that affected victims throughout the...

A man from East Hartford was recently sentenced in an Iowa federal courtroom to nearly a decade in prison for helping orchestrate a romance scam that affected victims throughout the United States. Th...

DES MOINES, Iowa — Naabanyin Aniagyei-Cobbold, a Connecticut man, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in a romance scam that targeted victims nationwide, including in central Iowa....

# Fraud Prevention Workshop for Seniors Iowa State University Extension is hosting a free fraud prevention workshop on March 5 aimed at protecting older adults, who are disproportionately targeted by scammers—with elder financial fraud being the most common form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans aged 62 and older. The program will teach participants how to identify warning signs of common scams and learn practical strategies to protect their finances and assets. Anyone age 60+ or their caregivers can register free of charge at www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/stay-independent or by calling 712-792-2364.

# Fraud Prevention Program for Seniors Iowa State University Extension is hosting a free fraud prevention workshop on March 5, 2026, in Carroll to help seniors and their caregivers protect themselves from financial scams, which disproportionately target older adults—elder financial fraud is the most common form of elder abuse affecting millions of Americans age 62 and older. The program will teach participants how to identify common scams, recognize warning signs, and implement protective strategies for their finances. Interested attendees must pre-register by contacting the Carroll County Extension Office at 712-792-2364 or through the Iowa State Extension website.

Iowa's Attorney General reported over 4,000 consumer complaints in 2025, with used auto fraud, imposter scams, and internet-related issues topping the list of consumer complaints affecting residents. Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable people through deceptive practices via text, phone, email, and social media, with used car sales accounting for the largest share of complaints (783). Iowans are advised to research purchases carefully, verify seller information, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from government agencies or offering unexpected opportunities, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office immediately.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning residents about a surge in fraud and scams, with the state's Consumer Protection Division receiving over 4,000 complaints in 2025—the second consecutive year of increases. The most common scams include auto-related fraud (783 complaints), imposter scams like fake job offers and IRS schemes (398 complaints), and internet-related issues such as hacked accounts and phishing (319 complaints), along with complaints about home improvement, housing, and personal services. Consumers are advised to be cautious when dealing with auto repairs and sales, job offers from unknown sources, and unsolicited contact from government agencies, while verifying contractor credentials before hiring and protecting their online accounts with strong passwords.

Two men have been sentenced in Jasper County for defrauding an Iowa senior citizen through a government impersonation scam, with Sanjeev Kumar receiving up to 25 years in prison and Abdul Samad Hussin Ahmadbin receiving a deferred judgment. The scam involved convincing the victim to hand over money on multiple occasions, which ultimately led to a sting operation where both men were arrested attempting to collect gold from the victim. Seniors should be cautious of government impersonation scams and report suspected fraud to the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services or the Iowa Attorney General's office.

Two men have pleaded guilty in a government impersonation scam that targeted a senior citizen in Iowa, with one receiving a 25-year prison sentence for facilitating the criminal network. The scammers convinced the victim they were government officials and convinced them to hand over funds, but were caught in a sting operation when they attempted to pick up gold from the victim's home. If you suspect you're being targeted by a scam, especially one involving someone claiming to be a government official, contact the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services immediately.

Two out-of-state men have pleaded guilty to running a government impersonation scam targeting a Jasper County senior citizen in Iowa, with one sentenced to up to 25 years in prison after law enforcement set up a sting operation that caught him attempting to pick up what he believed was gold from the victim. The scam, which first victimized the senior in June 2025, was part of a larger fraud operation, and authorities noted this wasn't the victim's first encounter with these scammers. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls or contacts claiming to be from government agencies requesting payment or personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or your state's insurance fraud bureau.

Two men have been sentenced for defrauding an Iowa senior citizen through a government impersonation scam: Sanjeev Kumar received up to 25 years in prison for facilitating the criminal network, while Abdul Samad Hussin Ahmadbin received a deferred judgment for his role in the theft. The scam targeted the elderly victim and was uncovered after a sting operation in July 2025 when Kumar attempted to collect a box he believed contained gold from the victim's home. If you suspect you're being scammed, contact the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Iowa Attorney General's Office, or local law enforcement, or visit IowaFraudFighters.gov for resources.

I don't see any article about fraud or scams in the text provided. The article is actually a weekly activities update for seniors (55+) in North Liberty, Iowa, listing upcoming events like board games, chair yoga, a lunch and bingo gathering, and a movie showing. If you intended to share a different article about fraud or scams, please feel free to paste that text and I'll be happy to summarize it for you.

I cannot accurately summarize this article as requested because it does not appear to be about fraud or scams. The article describes a criminal case involving a shooting death in Des Moines, Iowa, where a woman reached a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter and reckless use of a firearm. There may be a mismatch between the article's title (which mentions fraud in the Netherlands Antilles) and its actual content about a domestic violence case in Iowa.

# Fraud Prevention Summary A fraud prevention team at Dupaco Credit Union in Iowa prevented nearly $7 million in scam losses last year by using monitoring software and trained staff to catch suspicious activity before victims lose money. Over 3,900 Iowans fell victim to fraud in 2024, with scammers using sophisticated social engineering tactics to convince people their requests are legitimate. To protect yourself, trust your instincts—if something seems too good to be true, it probably is—and report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.

# Scam Alert Summary During the holidays, scammers are targeting Iowans with fake inheritance letters claiming they've won money from distant relatives and need to contact a Canadian law firm to claim it. The scam works by asking victims to pay upfront fees and requesting personal information like bank account numbers and Social Security numbers, which can lead to identity theft. To protect yourself and loved ones, delete suspicious emails or letters promising unexpected money, never share personal financial information with strangers, and remember that legitimate law firms never ask for payment upfront to access inheritance money.

Iowa's Attorney General warns that scammers frequently target older Iowans through schemes like impersonating family members requesting emergency money or claiming the victim is involved in a crime requiring immediate payment. One victim, Lynne Caltrider, lost a considerable sum after being directed to deposit money in a cryptocurrency ATM, but authorities recovered some funds and arrested individuals involved after she reported the scam. The Attorney General urges Iowans to be cautious about unusual requests for money, recognize warning signs, and contact the office for help if they suspect they're being scammed.

I appreciate you sharing this content, but this appears to be a technical instruction about streaming an app rather than an article about fraud, scams, or elder abuse. To provide a useful summary for the Elderus database, I would need an article or transcript that discusses: - A scam or fraud incident - Elder abuse - Financial exploitation - Fraud schemes or warnings - Research findings about elder fraud Could you please share the actual article you'd like summarized?

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird warned seniors on National Senior Citizens Day about scams targeting older residents, particularly impersonation schemes where fraudsters pose as family members or claim legal troubles to extract money. The attorney general's office runs "Stop the Scammers" educational events; one victim, Lynne Caltrider, helped authorities recover some lost funds and was awarded for her assistance in the investigation. Residents can report suspected scams to the Iowa Attorney General's office at 1-888-777-4590 or online.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird warned seniors about common scams ahead of National Senior Citizens Day, including impostor schemes where scammers pose as family members or falsely claim victims are involved in crimes requiring payment. The article highlights a case where victim Lynne Caltrider was scammed out of a considerable amount of money directed to a cryptocurrency ATM, though authorities recovered a portion and arrested individuals involved; Caltrider received recognition for sharing her story to help law enforcement. The attorney general urges older Iowans to remain cautious, recognize warning signs, and report suspected scams to the Iowa Attorney General's office.

A real estate agent in Iowa was nearly defrauded in a vacant land scam in which scammers impersonated a property owner to solicit fraudulent sale of a $200,000 lot. The scammers contacted the agent via phone, email, and text, creating a convincing narrative that matched public records, though the agent ultimately discovered the deception before completing the transaction. The agent emphasized that vacant land is particularly vulnerable to such scams due to fewer safeguards and transfer requirements compared to residential properties, and is working to raise awareness among colleagues about the need for strict verification procedures when confirming seller identity.

Iowa seniors face a significant threat from scam calls, with 85% of landline calls now classified as spam or unwanted, targeting the approximately 500,000 seniors in the state who rely on landlines. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide. The author calls for state and local authorities to develop comprehensive educational programs and anti-fraud resources to protect vulnerable seniors from increasingly sophisticated schemes.

Iowa seniors, particularly those relying on landlines, face persistent scam calls with 85% of landline calls classified as spam or unwanted. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide, with common tactics including impersonation calls requesting bank details. The author advocates for increased state and local resources to educate and protect Iowa's approximately 500,000 seniors who still use landlines.

Representatives Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Jim Himes (D-CN) introduced the bipartisan TRAPS Act to combat rising payment scams affecting Americans, particularly seniors, by establishing a coordinated federal task force involving law enforcement, regulators, and industry partners. Iowa residents lost over $52 million to scams in the past year across schemes including fake investments and romance cons, with the U.S. experiencing a 25% increase in fraud in 2024, prompting support from credit unions and military advocacy groups who note the scams disproportionately affect senior veterans and active-duty families.

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced a resolution designating June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month to increase public awareness and prevention efforts. According to the resolution, an estimated one in six older Americans experienced some form of abuse in community settings last year, with only one in 24 cases of elder abuse and one in 44 cases of financial exploitation being reported. Grassley will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to examine how scammers target seniors and promote long-term protections for vulnerable older adults.

State Departments of Transportation in Idaho, Iowa, and Wisconsin issued warnings about phishing text scams impersonating state agencies and demanding payment for unpaid tolls or traffic violations, with threats of legal action. The scams have already targeted Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York, and are becoming more sophisticated by using fear tactics to trick victims into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. State agencies advise recipients to ignore urgency demands, avoid clicking links or sharing information, block senders, and report scams to the FTC or Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The Linn County Treasurer's Office received multiple reports of phishing text messages impersonating the Iowa DMV, claiming recipients owe tolls or fees with threats of enforcement penalties. Recipients should not click links or share personal information, and should instead verify through official .gov websites, report the messages as spam, and delete them.

I'm unable to summarize this article because the full content is not provided—only the headline and a paywall notice are visible. To create an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need access to the complete article text describing the seminar details, fraud topics covered, date, location, and other relevant information about Roger Huinker's Iowa Fraud Fighters presentation.

An Iowa AARP Fraud Watch Network educator warns that artificial intelligence has made scams significantly easier and cheaper to execute, with seniors disproportionately targeted due to perceived lower technology skills, social isolation, and accumulated wealth. In 2024, over $12.5 billion was lost to scams and fraudulent activities across the nation, with people aged 70 and older reporting the largest dollar losses per incident. Key prevention strategies include never trusting unsolicited messages, verifying information through independent trusted sources, avoiding opening attachments or links from unknown senders, and recognizing that scams typically follow a three-part pattern designed to manipulate emotions before requesting personal information.

This article profiles Michael Wagler, the new Iowa state director for AARP, who brings over two decades of community development experience to the role. The article highlights AARP's 2025 priorities including financial security, noting that elderly Americans lose over $3 billion annually to fraud and scams, and details the "Stop the Scammers" tour—a partnership between AARP Iowa, the Iowa Attorney General's Office, and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services to educate the public on avoiding fraud schemes. Research shows that people aware of fraud schemes are 80 percent less likely to become victims.

Representative Zachary Nunn introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act, which would provide federal grant funding to local law enforcement agencies to investigate financial fraud against retirees, including tools for tracing blockchain technology and resources for specialized staff training. The legislation is prompted by significant elder fraud losses, including over $42.6 million in Iowa alone in 2023 and $3.4 billion nationally among those aged 60+ in that same year, with particular focus on "pig butchering" investment scams involving cryptocurrency. If passed, federal agencies would be required to report on fraud trends and enforcement efforts, and financial institutions would be encouraged to appoint liaisons to improve data sharing with law enforcement.

The Iowa Department of Transportation warned residents about a text message scam claiming recipients have unpaid tolls or registration fees. The scam targets people who may have traveled on toll roads in other states (like Illinois) and creates urgency by threatening consequences, but the Iowa DOT does not collect tolls and never sends collection notices via text. Recipients are advised not to click links or share personal information if they receive these fraudulent messages.

I cannot provide a summary of this content as it is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. This appears to be a directory or index page from the Iowa Department of Transportation listing news categories, road closures, construction projects, and administrative information. It falls outside the scope of the Elderus database, which focuses on elder fraud and abuse research.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird warned residents in 2024 about the state's top 10 complaint categories, with the Consumer Protection Division receiving over 3,900 complaints across 30+ scam types. Notable 2024 trends included significant increases in social media hacking/account locking and imposter scams, particularly schemes directing victims to cryptocurrency ATMs to send money to fraudsters. The top complaints involved auto fraud (623), internet/social media issues (593), imposter scams (376), home improvement fraud (332), and personal goods/services complaints, with the Attorney General's office urging Iowans to verify sellers, avoid prepayment and cryptocurrency

Iowa's Treasurer's Office warned residents about a phone spoofing scam where fraudsters impersonated treasury officers and solicited bank account numbers and personal information from victims. Treasurer Roby Smith emphasized that his office never calls to request such information and urged Iowans to report suspicious contacts immediately and avoid sharing personal data or sending money to unknown callers.

**Grandparent scams** are increasing in prevalence, with criminals impersonating grandchildren in distress (accidents, jail, hospitalization) to pressure elderly victims into sending money immediately, often using social media research to make calls convincing. Recent Iowa cases resulted in losses of at least $10,000, with one arrest made in the Burt area in March 2025. Key protective measures include hanging up to verify information, contacting family members directly, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls to law enforcement immediately.

In 2024, scams cost Iowa consumers over $50 million across nearly 14,000 reported fraud cases, with a median loss of $400 per victim. Seniors aged 80 and older, though representing a small number of victims, suffered the largest average losses at approximately $2,000 each, with investment schemes ($20 million) and romance scams ($8 million) accounting for the costliest fraud categories. The most frequently reported scams involved business/government impersonation, online shopping fraud, and prize/sweepstakes schemes.

Scammers in Minnesota and Iowa are targeting elderly residents with a "bail scam" where they claim a family member has been arrested and demand immediate payment to secure their release. The scam escalates by claiming a gag order prevents victims from telling anyone and requesting in-person payment, making the money impossible to recover. Law enforcement urges residents to inform elderly family members and report any such calls.

I appreciate you providing this text, but this article does not contain information relevant to the Elderus database. The content covers Iowa State football, holiday events, and sports scores—none of which relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. I cannot provide a summary as it falls outside the scope of elder fraud research documentation. If you have an article about fraud, scams, or elder abuse, I'd be happy to summarize it for the database.

I can't provide a summary of this content because it doesn't contain information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. This appears to be a brief instructional note about downloading a streaming app. The Elderus database focuses on elder fraud, scams, and abuse cases. Please provide an article or transcript related to those topics if you'd like me to create a summary.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly Iowans, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming emergencies (accidents, arrests, hospitalization, or being abroad) to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers often use information gleaned from social media and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. To avoid victimization, the Attorney General's Office recommends hanging up and independently verifying claims with trusted family members, never sending money over the phone or by wire, and reporting suspected scams to local law

Iowa is experiencing a wave of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly residents, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, hospitalized, arrested, or stranded abroad to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers use social media information and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. Iowa's Attorney General recommends victims hang up and verify claims with trusted family members, avoid acting quickly or in secret, and never wire money or provide banking information over the phone.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office and Department of Public Safety issued a warning about a resurgent wave of "grandparent scams" targeting older Iowans throughout the state. In these scams, criminals pose as grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, jailed, or stranded abroad, then request money that is wired abroad and rarely recovered. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity through independent contact with family members, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls to local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 1.888.777.4590.

**Grandparent Scam Warning - Iowa (January 3, 2025)** Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of grandparent scams targeting older Iowans, in which fraudsters impersonate grandchildren in distress (claiming accidents, hospitalization, or jail) and request money sent via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. The scammers often use social media information to build credibility and may pose as supporting figures like attorneys or police officers, with money typically transferred abroad and difficult to recover. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity through trusted family contacts, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls

Multiple sheriff's departments in north central Iowa are warning residents of a "grandparent scam" in which callers impersonate family members claiming to be arrested and needing bail money, resulting in victims losing tens of thousands of dollars. Scammers coach victims to lie to banks about withdrawal reasons and arrange for accomplices to collect the cash in person. Law enforcement urges residents to warn elderly and vulnerable family members about this predatory scheme.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office in Iowa warned about "Grandparent Scams" where fraudsters posing as law enforcement contact elderly residents, claiming their grandchild is in jail, then another scammer poses as the grandchild requesting bond money. An elderly couple lost $15,000 in cash to this scam, and the sheriff suspects multiple unreported victims in the area.

An elderly couple in Winneshiek County, Iowa lost $15,000 in a "grandparent scam" when fraudsters posing as a courier appeared at their door on Tuesday. The scam typically involves callers claiming a grandchild has been arrested for a vehicle accident and needs bail money urgently, with perpetrators often impersonating attorneys or the grandchild themselves and threatening victims with gag orders. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office suspects additional unreported victims and urges anyone targeted by such scams to contact local law enforcement immediately.

A senior couple in Winneshiek County, Iowa lost $15,000 to the "Grandparent Scam" on Tuesday after scammers posed as their grandchild, law enforcement, and attorneys, claiming the grandchild was jailed for texting while driving and needed bond money urgently. The scammers emphasized a gag order to prevent the victims from discussing the situation, then sent a courier to collect $15,000 in cash from the couple's home. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office warns that while other residents reported the same scam and avoided losing money, they suspect additional unreported victims exist.

Three Iowa volunteers with the Central Iowa Retired Senior Volunteer Program presented a fraud prevention program highlighting major scams targeting seniors, including a Fort Dodge victim who lost over $500,000 to scammers and a Marion woman who lost $30,000. Common schemes discussed included grandchild impersonation scams, fraudulent Medicare reimbursement demands, and affinity fraud targeting religious or ethnic groups, with the volunteers providing prevention strategies such as not answering unknown callers, verifying urgent requests by calling relatives directly, and avoiding upfront payments to strangers.

Two men from New York and Florida were arrested in March for serving as couriers in grandparent scams targeting seniors across multiple states, collecting approximately $230,000 from victims in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Iowa, and beyond. Roberto Munoz and Jason Rhodes allegedly received victim names and addresses from scam organizers and traveled to collect bail payments that victims believed were needed for arrested grandchildren, with one victim pair paying $18,000 before recognizing the scheme. Both men were released on unsecured bond with GPS monitoring while the investigation continues, with authorities believing numerous additional families across Rhode Island and Massachusetts were victimized.