Consumer Focus Monthly Newsletter
Every month, our Consumer Focus (formerly called the Consumer Advisory) issue goes in-depth on a single consumer topic. From protecting your identity to dealing with annoying robocalls to your rights when buying a car or having it repaired, the Consumer Focus maintains a watchful eye on consumer issues that are important to you.
No Surprises Act: What it means for consumers
Issued May 2, 2022
Free brace? Card fees? Be aware of Medicare Scams
Issued April 19, 2022
Beware of ‘dark patterns’: Tricks and traps
Issued March 9, 2022
Romance Scams: Guard your heart this Valentine’s
Issued February 10, 2022
Home-improvement headaches: There’s a bill to fix
Issued February 3, 2022
Welfare checks used to intimidate victims
Issued December 16, 2021
Five things to keep in mind while holiday shopping
Issued November 22, 2021
Act now to apply for rental and utility assistance
Issued October 14, 2021
There’s something ‘phishy’ with that Amazon email
Issued September 8, 2021
Study: Private student loans remain costly option
Issued August 5, 2021
Avoid weather-related cleanup and repair scams
Issued July 15, 2021
Stop Sharing: Opt-out of data tracking features
Issued June 17, 2021
Dangerous twist to the 'grandparent scam' emerges
Issued May 24, 2021
Be on the lookout for phony government grant scams
Issued May 10, 2021
Be Aware: Fake Vaccination Cards Online
Issued April 19, 2021
Be alert for COVID stimulus, vaccine scams
Issued December 31, 2020
Fee fever: Watch for ‘COVID surcharges'
Issued December 7, 2020
Beware of ‘ghosting’!
Issued October 27, 2020
Beware of ‘COVID-free’ cleaning products, services
Issued August 31, 2020
Get help with mortgage payments during COVID
Issued June 29, 2020
Long-term care residents' rights during COVID
Issued June 1, 2020
Top 10 ways to secure your video meetings
Issued April 22, 2020
COVID-19 relief can help student loan borrowers
Issued April 8, 2020
How to avoid census scams
Issued March 9, 2020
Preventing elder abuse
Issued February 18, 2020
Change Iowa’s mobile home laws, Miller urges
Issued January 21, 2020
Beware of fake products, sites shopping online
Issued November 25, 2019
Why you won’t win that car on Facebook
Issued November 4, 2019
New form of debt is a risky gamble for students
Issued September 25, 2019
Survey: Private student loans vary widely in rates
Issued August 13, 2019
When a home-repair contractor says this, say no
Issued June 5, 2019
Top 10 tips to avoid scams
Issued May 6, 2019
Auto repairs
Issued April 2, 2019
Tricky ticket sales
Issued March 5, 2019
Home improvement bonds
Issued February 4, 2019
Healthy New Year Resolutions
Issued January 4, 2019
Health insurance enrollment scams
Issued December 3, 2018
Give with your head and your heart
Issued November 8, 2018
New college grads: Beware of 'loan rescue'
Issued October 1, 2018
The Robocall Wars: How you can fight back
Issued September 4, 2018
Private student loans deserve a look
Issued August 1, 2018
July means it's time to freeze -- for free
Issued July 2, 2018
Avoid hotel booking scams
Issued June 5, 2018
Watch out for imposters on Facebook
Issued May 8, 2018
Avoid dangers when hiring a home-repair contractor
Issued April 9, 2018
Tax-Related Identity Theft and Fraud
Issued March 1, 2018
Don’t Get Burned by “Pain Relief” Cream Sellers
Issued February 1, 2018
Gift Cards & Gift Certificates
Issued January 1, 2018
Wise Giving
Issued December 1, 2017
Don’t Let Online Scammers Scrooge Your Holidays!
Issued November 1, 2017
The Secret Life of Pet Scams
Issued October 1, 2017
Watch for Facebook Crooks!
Issued September 1, 2017
Look for Signs of Elder Abuse
Issued August 1, 2017
Work From Home: A Sweet Dream or Bad Scheme?
Issued July 1, 2017
Avoid the SCAMptons: Online Booking Scams
Issued June 1, 2017
That IRS Call Might Now Be Legit!
Issued May 1, 2017
“Instant” Tax Refunds: Quick Cash for Whom?
Issued April 1, 2017
Data Breach Victim? It’s Personal (Info)!
Issued March 1, 2017
Sweetheart Scams
Issued February 1, 2017
Timeshares: Take Time before You Sign
Issued January 2, 2017
Online Buying: Clicking with Confidence
Issued December 1, 2016
Satellite or Cable TV Complaint Getting Static?
Issued November 1, 2016
Seeking Storm/Flood Damage Cleanup or Repairs?
Issued October 1, 2016
Prescription Medication Costs: How to Save Safely
Issued September 1, 2016
New Car a Nonstarter? Look at the Lemon Law
Issued August 1, 2016
Pay Debt with iTunes Card? Sounds Like a Sad Song!
Issued July 1, 2016
Phone Seller Wants Quick Electronic Payment? No!
Issued June 1, 2016
Dietary Supplements
Issued May 1, 2016
These Chips are Good for You: New Card Chips
Issued April 1, 2016
Credit Report and Identity Theft Monitoring
Issued March 1, 2016
Health Club Memberships
Issued February 1, 2016
Tax-Related Identity Theft and Refund Fraud
Issued January 1, 2016
Health Plan Enrollment & Scams
Issued December 1, 2015
Caller ID Spoofing
Issued November 1, 2015
Identity Theft
Issued October 1, 2015
Returns, Refunds & Right to Cancel
Issued September 1, 2015
Service Contracts and Extended Warranties
Issued August 1, 2015
Protecting Our Service Members and Veterans
Issued July 1, 2015
Going, Going, Gone!
Issued June 1, 2015
Buying a Used Car? Vetting the Vehicle
Issued May 1, 2015
Avoid the Home Wrecker: Home Improvement & Repair
Issued April 1, 2015
Grandparent Scam
Issued March 2, 2015
Debt Collections & Debt Collection Scams
Issued February 2, 2015
Tax Time Scams & Tips
Issued January 2, 2015
First You Win, Then You Lose
Issued December 1, 2014
Smarter Holiday Shopping
Issued November 1, 2014
Hold the Line on Annoying Robocalls
Issued October 1, 2014
How to Hinder Hackers? Protect Your Password!
Issued September 1, 2014
Health Fraud: Protecting Your Wellness and Wallet
Issued August 1, 2014
Student Loan “Rescue” Companies Are No Lifeline!
Issued July 1, 2014
The Drive to Destroy
Issued June 1, 2014
Unauthorized Charges & “Free Trial” Offers
Issued May 1, 2014
Home Repairs & Home Improvements
Issued April 1, 2014
Your Credit Report & Credit Score
Issued March 1, 2014
Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Issued February 1, 2014
Cell Phone Contracts
Issued January 1, 2014
Contact Us
Office of the Attorney General of Iowa
Consumer Protection Division
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0106
515-281-5926
1-888-777-4590 (outside of the Des Moines metro area in Iowa only)
consumer@ag.iowa.gov
