DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Iowa State Patrol issued a warning Thursday about a phone scam targeting Iowans by misrepresenting the staff of the DCI.
The warning said the Iowa State Patrol received reports today that scammers were posing as Special Agents with the DCI who claim to be investigating a lawsuit.
If you receive a phone call from anyone making similar claims, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement agency and the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 515-281-5926 or 888-777-4590.
Listed below are some helpful tips to prevent being targeted by fraudulent phone scams.
- If you get a call from someone who claims they are collecting money on behalf of the DPS — even if a caller ID device shows the DPS — then just hang up.
- The DPS does not demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards.
- Do not provide or confirm any personal information or financial information to anyone who calls.
- You do not need to report the scam if you receive a call, but if you lost money through the scam, report it to your local police department or sheriff’s office.
