Fraud/Scam Statistics
This many adults fall victim to scams every year.
What is 1 in 10 adults?
This type of scam is when a new love interest tricks you into falling for them when they really just want financial gain. They start in a few different ways, usually online. Scammers may also spend time getting to know you and developing trust before asking you for a loan or for access to your finances.
What is romance scams? Be smart about who you connect with and what information you share online. Don’t share sensitive personal information, such as bank account or credit card numbers or a Social Security number, with a new love connection.
Medicare calls you, you are going to lose your health coverage immediately if you do not provide information such as you social security or Medicare number, what do you do?
What is: Hang up the phone! Medicare, Social Security, SNAP etc. will NEVER call you, they will use mail correspondence.
You can call this person (hint: our PAL) to report suspected frauds or a scam.
Who is Al? Al Perales works in the Iowa Attorney General's office and can be reached at: alberto.perales@ag.iowa.gov (515)-281-6413
In Iowa, this many fraud reports were made which resulted in this amount ($) in losses.
What is nearly 15,000 reports resulting in 9.2 million dollars in losses?
This type of scam often promises to renegotiate, settle, or in some way change the terms of a person's debt to a creditor or debt collector.
What is debt relief scams? Avoid doing business with any company that guarantees they can settle your debts, especially those that charge up-front fees before performing any services.
Someone that you have known for years sends you a friend request on Facebook, you were sure you were already friends but you accept anyway. They begin messaging you saying they have won a huge sweepstakes and ask for money to travel and collect it, they will even split the winnings with you! What do you do?
What is: Unfriend or block that person! Check through your Facebook friends, there will likely be two accounts for your old friend and the one who is messaging you is fake! Bonus: Let your friend know someone is impersonating them.
These can be placed on your bank accounts to notify you of any transactions, over drafts, suspected misuse etc.
What are account alerts? You can set these up through your bank to get text/email alerts every time there is a transaction on your account or fraud is suspected.
This type of scam resulted in the highest overall reported losses in the U.S.
What is social media scams? 2.8 billion was reported in total losses nationwide between January 2021 and June 2023.
These types of scams try to convince you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or trust like a sheriff; local, state, or federal government employee; or charity organization.
What is imposter scams? They are also the most prevalent type of scam in Iowa and nationwide.
You are playing an online game or app and a stranger starts a private with you. At first they seem very nice and are fun to play games with, but soon start asking personal questions and bringing up how much they could use some extra cash, what do you do?
What is: Block that person from chatting with you, they are an online scammer.
You can use these folks for judgement free advice and resources if I believe I am the victim of a fraud or scam.
What is the SERVICE COORDINATORS!! We know how common scams are and we will NEVER judge you or make you feel bad about the situation you are in, we are here to help!
The most prevalent type of scam in Iowa is what?
What is imposter scams, at 28% of all scams reported in Iowa.
These kinds of scams often increase during the holiday season as well as around natural disasters and emergencies.
What is charity scams?
Amazon calls you and says they are not able to deliver you package until you verify your name and address, what do you do?
What is: Hang up! If you are not expecting a package, it is a scam! If you are, call Amazon's customer service number listed online and ask if this is a genuine request. This way you know you are truly talking to an Amazon representative.
This agency can help determine if something is a scam, give you resources on reporting a scam, and even provide financial assistance to help cover bills after being scammed.
Who is Aging Resources? (515) 255-1310
What is 44th nationally, in more good news Iowa ranks 48th in Fraud and Other reports, so it is not as common as other areas.
These type of scams claim the victim's grandchild is in trouble. People pretending to be the police or the grandchild themselves call and say that there has been in an accident or criminal trouble. They may use your grandchild's name and ask for money to "save" them.
What is the grandparent scam?
You are using social media one day and a new friend adds you and begins messaging you. They are nice looking, extremely friendly, and always giving you compliments. They seem to be a perfect romantic partner until they start pressuring you for your banking information to help them out of a really tough situation, what do you do?
What is: NEVER give your banking information to someone online, no matter how kind they may seem, this is a tactic to build trust and to get financial resources from you.
You can visit this website/call this agency to learn more about types of frauds, attend fraud/scam events, gain access to fraud/scam resources (many are specific to seniors in Iowa!)
What is Iowa Fraud Fighters? Visit https://iowafraudfighters.gov/ or call 515-654-6600