November 8, 2019
DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is warning of a phone scam involving callers who target citizens by misrepresenting themselves as DCI staff.
The DCI has received reports from citizens that scammers are attempting to extort money related to a the citizen’s access to a website. The callers are misrepresenting themselves as DCI agents working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to collect money. Some callers are using false agent names and badge numbers. Citizens are also reporting that their caller ID devices display a number for the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The DCI does not request payment over the phone. If you receive a phone call similar to the one mentioned above, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office Hotline at 515.281.5926 or 888.777.4590.
Listed below are some helpful tips to prevent being targeted by fraudulent calls:
- 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—hang up.
- The DPS does not request payment over the phone.
- Do not provide or confirm personal information or financial information to anyone who calls.
If you receive a phone call similar to the one mentioned above, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office Hotline at 515.281.5926 or 888.777.4590.
Listed below are some helpful tips to prevent being targeted by fraudulent calls:
- If you receive a call from someone who claims they are collecting money on behalf of the DPS—even if a caller ID device shows the DPS number—hang up.
- The DPS does not demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards.
- Do not provide or confirm personal or financial information to anyone who calls.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov