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Seniors Warned Of Phishing Scam That Looks Like Official Government Business

Iowa’s older residents are being warned about mailers that appear as if the federal government is offering them free benefits. Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller, has issued the warning, saying an Arizona printing company and a Missouri insurance agency may be phishing for these resident’s personal information in order to sell them insurance. These organizations have been ordered to stop the deceptive mailers to Iowans as they are accused of violating the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act and the Older Iowans Act. It is estimated mailers have been sent to nearly 62,000 Iowans. The front has an illustration of the U.S. Capitol, and below that it says “Official Business” and “Important information about your government benefit.” The envelopes also say “Receive your FREE Government Benefits Information Brochure.” The Attorney General’s investigation showed that these were targeted to Iowans as old as 85 and with annual incomes as low as $15,000. Seniors are frequent targets and it is estimated that $2.9 billion each year is lost to financial scams. If you receive questionable mailings, reach out to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office through the contact points included here.

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To contact the Iowa Attorney General’s Office:

          Website: www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov

          Email: consumer@ag.iowa.gov

          Phone: 515-281-5926 or toll free: 888-777-4590

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