Iowa AG Warns of Imposter Scams and FTC Impersonation

AG: Iowa Newsroom

Published March 5th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning regarding a rise in imposter scams, particularly those impersonating the FTC and targeting older Iowans. The notice provides guidance on how to identify and avoid these scams, including fake job offers and threats of arrest.

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What changed

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has alerted residents to a significant increase in imposter scams, which have become the second most reported category of fraud handled by her office. The notice highlights a specific case where scammers impersonated the FTC, attempting to trick an elderly Iowan into cashing out life insurance and purchasing gold under threat of arrest and loss of Social Security benefits. The warning emphasizes that such scams often involve unexpected contact, threats of immediate arrest, demands for secrecy, and unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or gold.

Regulated entities and consumers in Iowa should be aware of these tactics. The Attorney General's office advises skepticism towards unsolicited contact, especially when threats or demands for immediate payment are involved. Key recommendations include verifying the identity of officials through independently obtained contact information, never providing personal or financial data over the phone or email, and refusing requests for in-person delivery of valuables. Iowans are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's office or local law enforcement if they suspect they are a victim of or targeted by a scam.

What to do next

Educate consumers and employees about common imposter scam tactics, including FTC impersonation.
Advise individuals to be skeptical of unexpected contact and threats of arrest or legal action.
Instruct individuals to verify the identity of government officials through independent, verified contact information before providing any personal or financial information or valuables.

Source document (simplified)

Home | News Releases | Attorney General Brenna Bird Alerts Iowans to Rising Imposter Scams

March 5, 2026

Attorney General Brenna Bird Alerts Iowans to Rising Imposter Scams

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.
Call Our Office: 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.