Dubuque Police Warn of New ‘Raising Money’ Scam in Community

The Dubuque Police Department took to Facebook to alert residents about a new scam that is gaining popularity in various communities, including right here in Dubuque.

Scams are so infuriatingly ubiquitous, and they're costing Iowans, in particular, millions. In 2023, a study showed that Iowans lost a jaw-dropping $42 million to scammers on the internet. The Hawkeye state is the 40th most defrauded state in the US based on money lost relative to the state's population, per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

READ MORE: Iowans Lost Over $42 Million Due to These Dangerous Scams

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Details About This "Raising Money" Scam:

The Dubuque Police Department didn't coin a name for this hustle, so I'm just going to refer to it as the "raising money" scam.

How it works is suspects traverse an area with a homemade flyer, informing passersby that they're raising money for a family member who experienced some kind of personal tragedy. The story varies. Sometimes it's "medical bills," other times a person was "shot," there's "funeral expenses" that need to be covered, etc.

The Dubuque Police Department elaborated on how this scam is set into motion:

[Scammers are] asking people to donate through a tap-to-pay device. The problem is, they end up charging more than what the person agreed to donate and potentially have access to bank accounts - per the Dubuque Police Department Facebook page

The Dubuque Police told the public to be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations from people on the street or in public places. Do not provide your credit or debit card to people you don't know. Make sure any donations you make are through a trusted charity or a local organization.

How to Report This Scam if You Encounter It:

READ MORE: Dubuque Police Warn Residents About Ongoing Phone Scam

If you've expeirenced this scam, or encounter it in the future, you can call the Dubuque Police Department's non-emergency line at 563-589-4415. You can find out more information on the Dubuque Police Department's Facebook page.