Statewide Iowa — AARP and two state agencies will be holding a series of seminars around the state to alert older Iowans to some of the most common scams and how to avoid them.
Brad Anderson, AARP’s state director, says his wife recently got a phone call from a scammer, claiming her business had to pay a fine immediately.
State Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen says the best way to defeat fraud is to prevent fraud.
Officials from the Iowa Insurance Division will be part of the “Fraud Watch Tour” this fall. Ommen says one of the biggest red flags that you’re being targeted by a scam is when you’re pushed to make a decision immediately.
Ommen is urging Iowans to educate themselves about scams and share that info with others.
Staff from the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office are also part of the AARP’s training tour. Attorney General Tom Miller says what’s known as the Amazon scam is of great concern right now. It involves a message about a significant online purchase with a number to call.
An older Iowan nearly lost 20-thousand dollars to this scam, but called the attorney general’s office and got help in stopping the money transfer. About 70 people attended the first “Fraud Watch” event in Des Moines this week. The next events are in Dubuque and Waterloo on September 7th. The seminars are free, but registration through AARP is required.
Other cities on the tour include Mason City on September 8, Indianola on September 14, Clarinda on September 14, Council Bluffs on September 15, Sioux City on September 21, Fort Dodge on September 21, Ames on September 22, Ottumwa on September 28, Burlington on September 28, Bettendorf on September 29 and Marion on October 27.
