Explore the Archive

Iowa's Attorney General Brenna Bird and Consumer Protection Division investigator Al Perales held a public awareness program warning residents about various scams, including Amazon, romance, virus, Google, and cryptocurrency schemes that resulted in approximately 4,000 complaints in the state last year. The officials provided ten protection tips including avoiding unsolicited calls, never sharing personal information or paying with gift cards, resisting pressure to act quickly, and recognizing common scammer tactics like caller ID spoofing and artificial urgency. Both emphasized the importance of sharing scam awareness with friends and family to help prevent more Iowans from becoming victims.

Iowa police are warning of online scams targeting farm equipment buyers on Facebook Marketplace and two fraudulent websites claiming to operate from Waterloo, Iowa. Multiple victims reported being scammed by sellers using fake business names "Motors Point Solutions" and "Horizons Elite Motors." The authorities have reported the fraudulent operations to Facebook Marketplace and the Better Business Bureau.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird presented information on various fraud schemes affecting Iowans of all ages, including fake job offers, romance scams, imposter scams posing as family or law enforcement, lottery scams, and fake equipment sales in rural areas. The presentation emphasized that scammers exploit Iowans' trusting nature and create false urgency to pressure victims into sending money. Victims are encouraged to report suspected fraud to the Attorney General's Office at 888-777-4590.

Attorney Timothy Mark Anderson, 67, of Iowa, pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud and was sentenced to six months in federal prison for orchestrating a scheme where he sold luxury vehicles, including a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, to elderly clients at inflated prices to help them qualify for Medicaid benefits. The scheme involved the vehicles being "gifted" to heirs and resold back to Anderson at lower prices, resulting in $184,274.36 in restitution ordered to Iowa Medicaid and a $25,000 fine. In one documented case, an elderly couple purchased the Rolls-Royce for $186,000 as part of the fraud

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2978, the GUARD Act, with a 414-7 vote to provide additional federal funding to state and local law enforcement agencies for protecting seniors from fraud schemes. Co-sponsored by Representatives Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Zach Nunn of Iowa, the bill still requires Senate passage and presidential signature to become law.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act on September 15, 2026, legislation designed to combat elder financial fraud and cryptocurrency investment scams by providing state, local, and Tribal law enforcement with additional resources, training, and blockchain tracing tools. The bill addresses the growing problem of "pig butchering" crypto scams and other financial crimes, with FBI data showing $20.9 billion in total internet crime losses in 2025, including $11.37 billion in cryptocurrency-related losses. The legislation now advances to the Senate and has garnered support from organizations including AARP, the Iowa State Police Association, and various financial and consumer protection groups.

The US House passed the bipartisan GUARD Act 414-7, which provides grant funding for local law enforcement to combat elder fraud and recover stolen assets. The bill, co-led by Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn, addresses a growing crisis where Iowans lost $96 million to fraud last year, including schemes like "pig butchering" scams where a 69-year-old Des Moines retiree lost $164,000 to an online fraudster posing as a friend.

The U.S. House passed the bipartisan GUARD Act 414-7, which provides state and local law enforcement with resources and tools to investigate financial fraud and "pig butchering" scams targeting older Americans, including blockchain tracing technology to recover stolen funds. According to the FBI, Iowans lost $96 million to fraud in 2025, an 85 percent increase from the previous year, with scammers using social media, email, text messages, and phone calls to lure retirees into fake investment schemes. The legislation, led by Representatives Zach Nunn, Josh Gottheimer, and Scott Fitzgerald, now awaits Senate consideration.

Fake employment scams are targeting Iowa college students and young adults, with con artists requesting bank account and routing numbers under the guise of job payments to steal money and identities. Scammers are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to find victims, with employment scams now ranking as the second most common fraud type. The Better Business Bureau advises job seekers to research employers thoroughly and protect personal financial information, as young adults are particularly vulnerable due to inexperience.

The Better Business Bureau warns Iowa residents who have previously fallen victim to scams to remain vigilant, as scammers often share victim lists and target the same people again with different fraud schemes. Common follow-up tactics include impersonating money recovery services, exploiting victims' shame or attempts to self-remediate. The BBB recommends reporting scams to trusted organizations like the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General's Office to create records and receive protection assistance.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office is partnering with Meta to combat online scams, particularly romance, investment, and tech support fraud targeting Iowans through social media. Americans lost nearly $16 billion to online fraud last year, with romance scams involving fake identities to solicit money or cryptocurrency, investment scams promoting fraudulent financial opportunities, and tech support scams impersonating legitimate companies. The partnership includes educational materials at the Iowa State Fair and joint training for law enforcement to help identify and investigate cybercriminals.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office is partnering with Meta to combat online scams targeting social media users, focusing on romance, investment, and support scams. The campaign includes public service announcements and joint training sessions with law enforcement, following reports that Americans lost nearly $16 billion to online fraud last year. Victims can contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office at (515)281-5926 or through their website to report incidents.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and Meta launched a joint public awareness campaign to combat romance, investment, and tech support scams that target Iowans on social media platforms, with educational materials distributed at the Iowa State Fair in August. Americans lost nearly $16 billion to online fraud last year, and Iowa's Attorney General's office receives thousands of complaints annually from scam victims, often targeted by international criminals. The partnership includes law enforcement training and Meta's commitment to identify and remove fraudulent accounts and content.

Americans lost a record $16 billion to fraud in 2025, a 25% increase from the previous year, with imposter scams being the most reported category, generating $3.5 billion in losses as scammers impersonate police officers, bank employees, and government officials to create urgency and fear. Illinois reported over $535 million in losses from 5,436 internet-crime complaints in Iowa, while Davenport police warn that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment via phone, gift cards, or cryptocurrency and encourage victims to report crimes despite potential embarrassment.

Nana Takyiwa Adonu, a 43-year-old U.S.-based Ghanaian woman, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded Americans of over $1.6 million. The scheme involved creating fake dating profiles on social media to lure victims into sending money, with some victims losing their life savings, retirement accounts, homes, and vehicles; one Iowa victim alone lost over $55,000. Adonu operated Han-Dak LLC to launder the proceeds and provided false business documentation to obstruct the federal investigation.

A Ghanaian national living in Maryland, 43-year-old Nana Takyiwa Adonu, was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for operating a nationwide romance scam that defrauded victims of over $1.6 million, including an Iowa victim who lost more than $55,000. Adonu created fake online dating profiles and operated a fraudulent company to receive stolen funds from victims seeking romantic relationships, and she was ordered to pay $1.65 million in restitution. According to FBI statistics, an estimated 59,000 people have fallen victim to romance scams losing over $672 million, with many cases going unreported due to victim embarrass

Fraud affects millions of Americans daily, with seniors particularly vulnerable—an estimated 1 in 3 people over 65 lose money to scams annually, totaling $36.5 billion. The Iowa Fraud Fighters program is hosting a free one-hour educational event on July 14, 2026, at the Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center to help community members recognize different types of fraud and learn protective strategies. Attendees will gain knowledge about scams and questions to ask themselves to better protect themselves and their loved ones from financial exploitation.

Iowa's new House File 2232, effective July 1, empowers insurance companies to temporarily freeze suspicious transactions to protect seniors from financial fraud and exploitation. The law was inspired by a similar framework in the securities industry that has proven highly effective—in 2025 alone, financial professionals flagged 42 suspicious transactions with 100% accuracy, preventing $2.59 million from reaching scammers and recovering $1.13 million for victims. Seniors and their families should take action by naming a trusted contact with their financial institutions and staying vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scams involving AI impersonation, social media fraud, and digital asset schemes.

Scammers posing as law enforcement or Iowa court officials are targeting residents through phone calls, emails, and texts, threatening them with arrest warrants, unpaid fines, and missed jury duty in order to extort money via cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, or direct payments. The Iowa Judicial Branch warns that legitimate court communications never come via text or phone calls and never request money, personal information, or direct victims to external websites or phone numbers. To protect yourself, only pay court fines through official channels (the clerk's office by mail/in-person, the secure ePayment system, or by calling 515-348-4788 during business hours), and hang up immediately if contacted by phone or text claiming to be from courts or law enforcement demanding payment.

Iowa residents lost approximately $96 million to fraud in 2025, with scammers increasingly targeting seniors through sophisticated schemes like "pig butchering" scams. Two bipartisan bills have advanced through the House Financial Services Committee to address these threats: the GUARD Act, which strengthens law enforcement's ability to investigate fraud and recover stolen funds using blockchain tracing tools, and the AI PLAN Act, which requires federal agencies to develop a coordinated strategy against AI-driven fraud and financial manipulation from foreign adversaries. Retirees should remain vigilant against unsolicited financial offers and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement and the FBI.

Scams targeting Iowans have increased significantly in recent years, with seniors over 50 being particularly vulnerable to schemes involving romance scams, fake parking tickets, and Amazon-related fraud aimed at stealing home equity, retirement accounts, and savings. Both individuals and small businesses are affected, with some companies losing tens of thousands of dollars to credit card fraud disputes. To protect yourself, conduct banking business in person with your local bank, verify suspicious offers through law enforcement or the Iowa Attorney General's office before taking action, and report any suspected scams immediately.

Financial scams targeting older Americans are increasing at an alarming rate, with Arizona reporting the highest number of fraud cases among residents age 60 and older at seven reports per 1,000 people, followed by Delaware and Colorado. Business imposter scams are the most common fraud type nationwide, though government imposter scams are more prevalent in six states including Alaska and Iowa. Experts warn that as digital banking and online payments become more common, older Americans should be vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting financial information and consider reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission.

The Iowa Department of Insurance and Fraud Services is hosting a "Stop the Scammers" event on May 12 in Davenport to educate residents about current fraud schemes, which in 2025 have already prevented $2.7 million from reaching scammers. Attendees will learn about emerging scams including gold bar schemes, SIM swap fraud, and "pig butchering" investment scams that use psychological manipulation to steal money and assets from victims of all backgrounds. The department recommends staying informed about these tactics and reporting suspected scams, as reporting has already recovered nearly $270,000 from fraudsters this year.

About 50 residents in Fayette County, Iowa attended an educational presentation on fraud where local law enforcement and financial experts detailed common scams, including an IRS impersonation scam that cost a local senior $7,000. The scammers posed as IRS agents demanding immediate payment via phone call and threatening arrest, exploiting the victim's fear to bypass normal verification processes. Experts emphasized that the IRS never initiates contact by phone demanding payment and advised residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting money, particularly those creating urgency or threatening legal consequences.

(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.