UI Police warn of phone scam targeting parents of students

Lang
4/22/23

The University of Iowa Police Department is warning about a phone scam that targets the parents of students.

Public safety officials say they have received reports from parents who stated a caller contacted them claiming to be a member of the UI Police Department. The impersonator often times:

  • Identifies themselves as a University of Iowa Police officer.
  • Claims “their student” has gotten into an altercation at a local business, or is in trouble.
  • May ask the recipient of the call to provide money to cover damages.

This particular scam is spoofing the legitimate non-emergency phone number of the UI Police Department and uses a fake name of a law enforcement officer in an attempt to gain the trust of the victim.

If you or someone you know receives such a call, disconnect immediately without providing any personal information or money and report it to UI Police at 319-335-5022.