DES MOINES—Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced the top ten reported consumer complaints and scams which affected 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.
“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 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.”
The top complaint involves Used Auto & Vehicle Repair (783 Complaints), 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)
The state encourages residents 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.
