(Atlantic, Ia) – The Stop the Scammers statewide fraud education campaign visited Atlantic, Thursday, to teach local residents how to recognize and prevent common financial scams. The 20-stop campaign, hosted by the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, in partnership with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and AARP Iowa, aims to educate Iowans about the types of scams impacting the state and how they can protect themselves, especially when it comes to online and cryptocurrency scams in the digital age.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird says “Scammers stop at nothing to rip-off Iowans. We’ve seen an increase in scammers and fraudsters preying on people they know are vulnerable. They pretend to be someone they aren’t.” Bird says “Our office is here to teach Iowans how to protect themselves by spotting the red flags of a scam and we’re here to support victims. We take these offenses seriously and act quickly. If a suspicious number calls you and asks for money, hang up and contact my office at 1-888-777-4590. Remember, never send money to someone you met online or through a crypto ATM.” (Images below submitted)
With the rise and continuing innovation in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are creating new sophisticated, clever, and emotional tactics to con Iowans out of their hard-earned money. AARP Iowa State Director Michael Wagler says “Education plays a critical role in preventing fraud. By traveling to communities across Iowa and sharing specific examples of how these scammers operate, we aim to empower Iowans to recognize and avoid fraud before it happens.”
Over the course of the 2025 Stop the Scammers Tour, Iowans stepped forward at nearly every event to share their personal experiences with scammers in hopes of helping others from falling victim to fraud. Multiple attendees from events helped stop active scams, resulting in the arrest of fraudsters. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen says “Through this partnership, we were able to stop over $2.7 million from being sent and recovered nearly $270,000 in funds that were sent to scammers from Iowans coming forward at these events last year.
The stop in Atlantic, Thursday, is part of the third year in a row the tour helps Iowans understand the resources at their disposal to shield their savings. The Stop the Scammers roadshow will visit 20 communities this spring. A light meal will be served at each event. Remaining locations for the Stop the Scammer Roadshow include Coralville, Davenport, Dyersville, Waterloo, Ames, Oskaloosa, Riverside, Cedar Rapids, Newton, and Johnston.
Events are free to attend. To attend an event please RSVP at https://iowafraudfighters.gov/stop-the-scammers-event/ or call (515) 329-0681.
