Des Moines, IA – Iowa officials are warning residents to stay alert this holiday season as scammers ramp up fraud attempts targeting online shoppers, particularly through fake delivery notifications and misleading holiday deals.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which serves Greater Iowa, the Quad Cities, and the Siouxland region, holiday-related scams are surging as consumers order more gifts online and rely heavily on package delivery services.
The warning was shared this week by Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, citing BBB experts who say scammers often pose as legitimate shipping companies, sending text messages that claim a delivery problem requires immediate action.
Chris Coleman with the BBB says one of the biggest red flags is any message asking for sensitive personal information. “No legitimate delivery service will text you asking for your Social Security number,” Coleman said. Messages that pressure recipients to click links or provide payment details should also be treated with suspicion.
The BBB encourages Iowans to remember three “Golden Rules” to avoid falling victim to scams:
- Legitimate delivery companies do not request personal information by text.
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is a scam.
- When in doubt, shop local and verify sellers before purchasing.
Officials say scammers are particularly active during the holiday season, knowing consumers may be distracted or rushing to complete gift purchases. Residents are urged to track packages directly through official retailer websites and avoid clicking links from unsolicited messages.
Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted by a scam is encouraged to report it to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker and monitor their financial accounts for suspicious activity.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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