The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is warning of a scam targeting Iowans involving the DCI. The Iowa DCI has received reports in the last two weeks from citizens receiving threatening phone calls from scammers posing to be DCI Agents.  The scammers claim there are active arrest warrants issued and demand money to avoid being arrested.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, and all Divisions within DPS, will never ask for money nor make threats of this nature. If you receive a phone call similar to those 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 demand immediate payment via prepaid debit cards.
• Do not provide or confirm personal information or financial information to anyone who calls.
• You do not need to report the scam if you receive a call. However, if you lost money through the scam, report it to your local police department or sheriff’s office.