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AARP Hosts Shred Events and Fraud Workshops Across Iowa This April

AARP

Phishing - a credit card with a fish hook trying to steal personal data on a computer keyboard / financial data theft

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Fraud Prevention Month Comes to Iowa

Fraud continues to threaten families across the country — and here in Iowa, the impact is real.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers in Iowa reported $54.8 million in fraud losses between January and September 2025, with the most common scams being imposter scams.

In response, AARP is taking action this April during Fraud Prevention Month, bringing free in-person and virtual events, workshops, and fraud-prevention resources directly to communities across Iowa.

IASO Director Michael Wagler with Insurance Commissioner Ommen and Polk County Sheriff Schneider with Gubernatorial Fraud Prevention Month Proclamation

AARP Iowa State Director Michael Wagler, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Ommen and Polk County Sheriff Schneider with the gubernatorial proclamation declaring April as Fraud Prevention Month in Iowa.

AARP Iowa

Free Local Events in Iowa

Tele-Town Hall with Attorney General Bird

April 7 at 1 p.m.

Toll-free dial-in number: 1-866-757-0607

This live fraud prevention telephone town hall will focus on how to protect yourself from common scams. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird will join the call to share insights on the latest fraud tactics and answer participant questions live.

Shred Days in Johnston and Hiawatha

Hiawatha: April 18 from 9 a.m. – Noon | REGISTER

Johnston: April 25 from 9.a.m – Noon | REGISTER

Discard sensitive documents safely and securely at our drive-through shred events. Bring up to three boxes per vehicle. Staples and paper clips are fine, but all binders need to be removed.

Stop the Scammers Statewide Tour

AARP Iowa is partnering with the Iowa Department of Insurance & Financial Services and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office for a statewide series of free educational events designed to help you learn how to proactively spot and avoid scams and fraud. Tour stops are listed below. A light meal will be served at each event. These events are free, but advanced registration is required at IowaFraudFighters.gov/stop-the-scammers.*

West Des Moines – April 2
Perry – April 14
Carroll – April 14
Sioux City – April 14
Spencer – April 15
Mason City – April 15
Altoona – April 23
Indianola – April 30
Atlantic – April 30
Council Bluffs – April 30
Coralville – May 12
Davenport – May 12
Dyersville – May 13
Cedar Falls – May 13
Ames – May 13
Oskaloosa – May 28
Riverside – May 28
Cedar Rapids – May 29
Newton – May 29
Johnston – June 3

*These events are hosted by the Iowa Department of Insurance & Financial Services. Any information you provide to the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy and procedures.

AARP Advocacy: Protecting Consumers from Crypto Kiosk Fraud

In addition to in-person and virtual events, AARP is advocating for policy solutions to protect consumers from crypto kiosk fraud — one of the fastest-growing scam tactics in the country.

Criminals increasingly direct victims to cryptocurrency kiosks (sometimes called Bitcoin ATMs), where money can be transferred quickly and is often difficult to recover.

AARP is addressing this issue from multiple angles:

Empowering people with information about crypto kiosk scams and what to do if they are targeted
Urging policymakers to establish practical safeguards for consumers
Supporting fraud victims through the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline and fraud victim support program

During the 2025 legislative session, AARP Iowa successfully advocated for stronger consumer protections and oversight of cryptocurrency kiosks, and SF 2296, passed this year, goes even further to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

Why This Matters

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting consumers. While adults 50-plus are frequently targeted, fraud affects every generation.

AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all to help you proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

Fraud Prevention Month helps ensure that every Iowans have access to reliable information and trusted resources.

“Fraud prevention is about action,” said AARP State Director Michael Wagler. “When AARP shows up in communities with trusted tools and local events, we’re helping neighbors protect themselves and each other.”

Take Action:

Attend a local event. Join virtually. Share what you learn with friends and family. Protect yourself — and your community. Learn more: aarp.org/FraudSafety.

Join the fight against fraud—from anywhere. Become an AARP Digital Fraud Fighter and help your friends and family spot and avoid scams.