Capitol Letters: DOT warns Iowans about phishing scam

State Rep. Megan Jones

The Iowa Department of Transportation is again warning consumers of recent text phishing scams that is occurring across the country this spring. Citizens are receiving fraudulent text messages that appear to be from the Iowa DOT that say they have an unpaid toll or registration fee. The text asks recipients to click on a link to provide personal information as well as credit card numbers. Many times, the link will lead to a website that looks like the Iowa DOT’s website.

These texts are not from the Iowa DOT and citizens should not click on links within the text messages or provide personal details.

The Iowa DOT does not send out fee collection reminders via text. Any payment requests from the DOT are made through personal transaction, via physical mail, or through an online transaction initiated by the customer. In addition, the Iowa DOT does not collect tolls on any of their roads or bridges.

Transportation departments from across the country are reporting similar scams.

If you receive a phishing text:

• Don’t click on any live links or paste links into a browser, nor respond to unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
• Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.

Some government agencies do use text messaging to contact customers. However, no government agency should direct you to share confidential or financial information through a text. In Iowa, you might set up a driver license appointment and receive a confirmation text, but you will always log into an Iowa DOT system with a username and password, not with a simple link.

If you feel that you are a victim of a text scam:

• Consider filing a police report with the local law enforcement agency where you reside.
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=IADOT and/or the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.
• Speak to AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline and find Fraud Victim Support Groups (all ages accepted).
• Request a free credit report and research identity theft prevention: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action 

Attend a Stop the Scammers event

Join the Iowa Department of Insurance & Financial Services and AARP for a free educational Stop the Scammers event. Con artists target people aged 60 and older, swindling millions of Americans out of almost $28.3 billion each year*.

Don’t become another statistic and protect yourself from fraud.

Our team of fraud fighters has compiled real-world tips and tools that can help protect you and your loved ones. By arming yourself with knowledge of common fraud schemes, you can learn to avoid and report scams. Join us in this seminar to become an Iowa Fraud Fighter and take steps toward a safer future.

A light meal will be provided. Reservations are required.

Find an event that works in your schedule: https://iowafraudfighters.gov/stop-the-scammers-event/ 

The last Storm Lake Legislative forum of the session will be held Saturday, April 18, from 1-2 p.m. at King’s Pointe Resort.  Email Megan Jones at: megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov