Breaking News

More () »

Local 5 - weareiowa.com | Des Moines Local News & Weather | Des Moines, Iowa

Scams

Watch out for these common holiday scams

Scams

There’s no evidence that 'Trump was arrested' text scam is legitimate

Messages that warn of hackers accessing your bank account if you open a text are likely "virus hoaxes." A variation of this one has been online since 2021.
Extreme Weather

How to spot disaster relief job scams

A viral post falsely claims Florida is making people pay tolls on Hurricane Milton evacuation routes. Florida is suspending them across the state as people evacuate.
Scams

How to spot a hurricane-related scam

Scammers often prey on vulnerable people in need of help after a hurricane. Here are tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam during hurricane season.
Scams

We share some tips on how to spot hurricane-related scams

Scammers often prey on vulnerable people in need of help after a hurricane. Here are tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam during hurricane season.
Scams

How to spot a post-storm home contractor scam

After a natural disaster, scammers often visit homes offering repairs in an attempt to take money from people looking for a quick fix. Here’s what to look out for.
Scams

Scammers are putting fake QR codes on parking meters to steal your information

The Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and various cities have issued warnings about this scam. Here’s how to avoid being duped.
Scams

Fake QR codes on parking meters: How to avoid scams

The Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and various cities have issued warnings about this scam. Here’s how to avoid being duped.
Scams

Have you received a threatening email asking for bitcoin payment with a photo of your home? It’s a scam

The emails are part of a common scam to get people to send money by threatening to leak embarrassing videos or personal information.
Scams

Have you received a threatening email asking for bitcoin payment with a photo of your home? It’s a scam

Pegasus spyware emails are a common extortion scam to get money from unsuspecting recipients.
Scams

Photo of a missing elderly woman holding a Yoda toy is part of a bait-and-switch scam

Facebook posts share the same image of an elderly woman with a Yoda toy, but each claims she was found in different places, including Texas, Arizona and Italy.
Scams

No, the Department of Education is not offering free teacher certifications

Facebook ads claim the Department of Education is giving out free teacher certifications, but the ads are not legitimate.