March 21st, 2025

DUBUQUE, IA – The Dubuque Police Department (DPD) has issued a warning to residents regarding a recent surge in sophisticated scams that are targeting individuals’ finances. Scammers are employing a variety of tactics, including convincing victims to install remote access software, to steal banking information and ultimately, funds.

The DPD reports that scammers are initiating contact with victims, often via phone or online messaging, and then persuading them to grant remote access to their computers. A key component of this scam involves the scammers urging victims to download an application with a name similar to “AnyDesk,” a legitimate remote desktop software. This allows the scammers to gain complete control of the victim’s computer.

Once access is established, the scammers manipulate the victim into providing banking details. They then proceed to deposit money into the victim’s account, creating a false sense of legitimacy. Following this, the scammers request a “refund” in the form of gift cards, often from retailers unrelated to the initial transaction.

“We’ve seen a concerning increase in these types of scams,” stated a DPD spokesperson. “Scammers are becoming increasingly clever in their methods, and they are exploiting the trust of our community members.”
The DPD is urging residents to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unsolicited phone calls or online communications. Key points to remember include:

• Businesses Rarely Use Gift Cards for Refunds: Legitimate businesses typically do not request reimbursement in the form of gift cards, especially those from unrelated retailers.
• Be Wary of Remote Access Software: Never download or install software from unknown or untrusted sources. Be particularly suspicious of applications that allow remote access to your computer.
• Protect Your Personal Information: Never share your personal or banking information with anyone you do not know or trust.
• Verify Unsolicited Contacts: If you receive an unsolicited call or message, verify the legitimacy of the contact by contacting the company directly through official channels.
  The DPD encourages anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam to report it immediately. By raising awareness, the DPD hopes to prevent further financial losses and protect Dubuque residents from these deceptive tactics.