The Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation and Iowa State Patrol are warning Iowans of a scam that is misrepresenting the staff of the department.

Scammers are posing as employees of the department claiming they were investigating a lawsuit and were special agents with the DCI. The department advises if you get a phone call similar to this, then contact local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office hotline at (515) 281-5926 or (888) 777-4590. Also, if you get a call of someone claiming to be collecting money on behalf of DPS hang up, even if the caller ID shows DPS. The department does not demand immediate payment via prepaid credit cards. Do not provide or confirm personal information or financial information to anyone who calls.