More than 1,000 seniors learn how to avoid financial scams in Stop the Scammers roadshow [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa]

DES MOINES — A Stop the Scammers tour crisscrossed the state this spring, reaching more than 1,000 seniors with information to help them avoid financial scams.

The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services joined forces with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and Iowa AARP to host a series of events across the state – including Waterloo – to raise awareness and help Iowans prevent and report fraud.

“Scammers are adapting to the digital age we are all now living in, and Iowans need to arm themselves with real-world tips and tools to spot, prevent, and protect themselves from fraud,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said in a news release.

According to a study conducted by the AARP Public Policy Institute, con artists target people aged 60 and older, swindling Americans out of $28.3 billion each year. The tour was targeted towards older Iowans to help them understand the state resources that are available and provide them with financial literacy tips to prevent and report scams.

Iowans who were unable to attend the tour can find more resources online at iowafraudfighters.gov, which covers topics such as Medicare and investment fraud.

At nearly every stop along the tour, attendees came forward to share with people in their communities about the scams they have encountered.

“Scams and fraud can happen to anyone,” Ommen said. “The people who came forward to share their personal stories are brave, and are doing a great service in helping spread awareness to other Iowans.”

The Stop the Scammers roadshow made its way through 18 communities across Iowa, with the first event occurring in Des Moines on Feb. 20. Attendees heard from Ommen, Attorney General Brenna Bird, Investigator Al Perales, and local AARP volunteers.

“By raising awareness, we hope communities can build a culture of skepticism and vigilance, making it more difficult for scammers to succeed,” said Heather Kriener, financial literacy director at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. “Our work is far from finished. We will continue to find ways to help equip Iowans with the tools and information they need to protect their money and keep them safe.”

Iowans have a whole team of state and local agencies dedicated to fighting fraud. Knowing which scams to report to each agency is the first step. Become an Iowa Fraud Fighter or learn more at iowafraudfighters.gov.

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