Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced the top ten reported consumer complaints and scams affecting Iowans in 2025. Last year, the Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division handled over 4,000 complaints marking the second consecutive year of rising scams and complaints. Attorney General Bird is warning Iowans to be wary of scams and do their research before purchasing a product or service.    

“Iowans should always contact our office if they think they’ve been involved in a scam or been taken advantage of by deceptive business practices,” said Attorney General Bird. “We’ve seen an increase in scammers and fraudsters preying on people they know are vulnerable, pretending to be someone they aren’t. Our office takes these offenses seriously and acts quickly. We will work with you to ensure justice is served.”    

Top 10 Complaints in 2025:  

1.    Used  Auto  & Vehicle Repair  (783  Complaints)  

Once again in 2025,  used  auto-related  complaints were the most reported,  including  claims of:    

  • Faulty repair work  (148 complaints)  
  • Failure to  disclose  prior damage in the sale of used cars  (124 complaints)  
  • Financing and leasing issues, including misrepresentations  regarding  optional products such as extended  warranties and gap insurance  (83 complaints)  

It’s  important to find a reliable mechanic  for repairs  and do your research before  purchasing  a car.  Some warning signs  you  may be getting scammed include suspicious recommendations for complicated car repairs or a seller’s reluctance to produce the used vehicle’s history.  

2. Imposter  (398  Complaints)  

Imposter  scams  are becoming more common. These  scams  include  fake job offers, online shopping  scams, lottery  scams, romance  scams, and IRS/social security  scams. Many of these  scams  are  circulated via text, phone,  email,  or social media.      

Some tips to avoid imposter  scams  include:    

  • Only do business with established sellers and be wary of unsolicited messages.    
  • Avoid sending money electronically (e.g., Cash App, cryptocurrency, PayPal, etc.) or through a cryptocurrency ATM to people you have not previously met.    
  • Understand law enforcement and government agencies will never threaten arrest for refusing to give information or pay money over the phone, nor will they demand that Iowans keep their conversations secret.  

3.  Internet  (319  Complaints)  

Internet-related  complaints  include  social media issues  like  locked or hacked accounts;  disputes with  internet service providers, social  media  and networking websites;  and  Terms of Service or data privacy concerns. Also included in this category  are  complaints about  malicious software,  unsolicited emails,  subscription  issues  with online dating or gaming apps, and  online auction  scams.  

Please remember to do the following:    

  • Thoroughly research  online sellers, meet at secure locations, and avoid prepaying.  
  • Verify a subscription and/or  cancel it  by  independently contacting  the company via its official channels.    
  • Reach out to  the  Attorney General’s office for help with locked or hacked accounts.  

4. Home Improvement  (247  Complaints)  

Home improvement complaints include contractors’ failure to start or complete jobs, poor workmanship quality, and issues with the sale, installation, and financing of solar panels.  

5. Housing & Realty  (244  Complaints)    

Housing and realty complaints involve rental housing, real estate sales, manufactured and mobile homes, and home building. Iowans often report false or misleading information and/or  hidden, extra charges. Common complaints also involve mortgages, inflated appraisals, foreclosure  scams, and the use of a false identity for loan applications.  

6. Personal Goods  (237  Complaints)    

Complaints about personal goods focus on general problems with purchasing items such as food, clothing,  and  accessories  both in-store and online.  

7. Personal Services  (215  Complaints)    

Personal services complaints involve problems with timeshare companies, travel-related experiences, personal memberships, or delivery services. Timeshare grievances include companies charging undisclosed fees and increasing fees for maintenance and other services. The top travel complaints involve flight delays or cancellations and the misrepresentation of costs. Also common is the sale of misleading exercise-club memberships that promise discounts and other amenities.    

8. Home Goods & Services  (192  Complaints)  

Home goods and services  complaints  relate to appliances, furnishings, and electronics. Iowans reported misleading or false advertising, late delivery times, faulty appliances, and refusals to replace furniture and other major appliances.  

9. Lending  (175  Complaints)    

Lending complaints are  related to lending from financial institutions such as credit card companies, debit card providers,  peer-to-peer payment apps, private student loans,  and  internet-based, pay-day, or private loans.    

10. Healthcare  (151  Complaints)    

Healthcare complaints involve disagreements over health-insurance payments, billing related to hospital and doctor visits, deceptive treatments, and other “medical” products.  

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office investigates fraud, seeks reimbursement and relief for Iowa scam victims, ensures fair competition in the marketplace, and protects Iowans from falling victim to scams or fraud. If you think you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact our office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online here.