The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has issued a warning to citizens of a new scam in which the callers represent themselves as a member of the department. The DCI has been receiving reports that scammers are posing as employees of the “Iowa State Police” and claiming there is an out-of-state warrant in the victim’s name. They then go on to give details on how they can clear the warrant by making an online payment to an account, such as Google Play. The calls are generally coming from a 712 area code, and if the citizen does not answer or hangs up on that initial call, a second is received and reported as coming from 911. The scammers escalate during the follow-up, becoming aggressive. The DCI is asking anyone who receives such a call to hang up and contact your local law enforcement or the Iowa Attorney General’s Office Hotline at 515-281-5926 or 888-777-4590. Never provide or confirm personal/financial information to anyone who calls. The DCI or the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) will never demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards or online accounts.
