Protecting Iowa Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Iowa seniors are not immune. In 2025, 55 older adults in Iowa reported government impersonation fraud to the FBI. Scammers pose as officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money or revealing personal information.
Why Iowa Seniors Are Targeted
Iowa’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Rural isolation: Iowa is one of the most rural states in the Midwest, with many seniors living in small towns far from in-person support services
- Agricultural wealth: Iowa seniors with farming assets and land are targeted by scammers pushing fake agricultural investments and commodity deals
- Midwestern trust culture: Iowa’s friendly, community-minded culture means seniors are more likely to give callers the benefit of the doubt
- Aging demographics: Iowa has one of the highest percentages of residents over 65 in the Midwest, creating more potential targets
- Long winters: Iowa’s harsh winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time spent on phones and computers where scammers operate
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Iowa (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 18 | $60K | — |
| 2022 | 23 | $288K | +385% |
| 2023 | 30 | $1.6M | +454% |
| 2024 | 33 | $823K | -49% |
| 2025 | 55 | $431K | -48% |
| 5-Year Total | 159 | $3.2M | +625% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Iowa residents aged 60 and older.
Iowa ranks #46 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $431,400 lost in 2025 across 55 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -48%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Iowa grew +625%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Government Impersonation Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Government Impersonation Scams in Iowa
- Office of the Iowa Attorney General: (515) 281-5926 | iowaattorneygeneral.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Iowa Adult Protective Services: (800) 362-2178
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from government impersonation scams:
→ Start Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Training (Module 5)