Authorities in Iowa are warning residents about a scam that cost an Audubon County resident $32,000. According to the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, on March 21st (2024), an Audubon County resident was contacted by phone (202-703-7876) asking if she had ordered a laptop computer on her Amazon account. The caller advised that the computer was sent to an address in New York. When she said no, she was transferred to “Dominic Valdez” with the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection, badge # IR7963. The woman was asked to get $32,000 cash to help catch the fraud suspect.

She went to the bank and withdrew the cash. She took a picture of the cash and sent it to the person who had phoned her. They later met in a parking lot of a local business where she gave him the money. The suspect was driving a black 2-door Hyundai car with black tape holding the front passenger side bumper on. The interior of the car was also black. The victim did not see a license plate.

The suspect was described as being a man of middle eastern descent, with short black hair, around 35 years old. This past Friday and Saturday, a male caller claiming to be from the US Marshalls Office called the victim advising that he has the cash. He also wants her to buy some gold. The victim declined.

The caller claims that there will be a warrant for her arrest for not cooperating. The Sheriff’s Office warns Iowans to NEVER give out your personal information, and please consult with law enforcement, family members or bank personnel prior to sending any cash or purchasing pre-paid cards. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department is working with DCI-Division of Criminal Investigation, Fusion Center and the Attorney General-Consumer Protection Division.