Scammers offer tricks, not treats, this Halloween

Don’t be fooled by masks or disguises

As Halloween approaches, Iowa Fraud Fighters is warning the public to stay alert for scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts.

According to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats this year with artificial intelligence (AI) making it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes. Fraudsters can now clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. This all results in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices. These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur.

Even more concerning are reports of in-person scams. In a recent case, investigators arrested a suspect who traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. The case is part of a growing “pig butchering” scheme in which criminals build trust with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Other reports describe so-called “gold traders” or “bankers” who contact victims online, build rapport, and later arrive in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses.

“Investment scams can show up anywhere — in your text messages, phone calls, or even on social media,” said Heather Kriener, financial literacy director at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. “If someone asks for money or personal information, always take a moment to verify who they are. And don’t engage with anyone you suspect might be a scammer — even small interactions can have big consequences.”

Iowa Fraud Fighters offers the following tips to protect yourself from investment fraud:

• Verify before you invest: Check the registration of investment professionals and firms at iid.iowa.gov.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use social media or messaging apps to lure victims.
• Don’t rush: High-pressure tactics are a red flag.
• Report suspicious activity: Contact the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-955-1212 or visit IowaFraudFighters.gov/report-fraud.