IOWA NEWS: DCI warns of phone scam

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation is warning of a scam targeting citizens by misrepresenting the staff of the department.

The DCI has received reports from citizens that scammers are posing as employees of the 'Iowa State Police.” The callers are claiming there is a warrant issued out of state for the citizen. They have further advised that to clear the warrant, the citizen needs to send money, via an online account such as Google Play account.

Citizens are reporting that they are receiving multiple calls from the same 712 area code phone number. If the citizen does not answer or hangs up on the initial call, a secondary call is being reported as coming from '911” whereas the callers are verbally aggressive, claiming they are with the 'police” and that they have a warrant for the citizen's arrest.

Anyone who has received a phone call similar to the one mentioned above, is asked to contact 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 or online accounts.

' Do not provide or confirm personal information or financial information to anyone who calls.