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Don’t Fall for the Dream: How Lottery Scams Are Impacting Iowans
Winning the lottery is something many of us have imagined at one point or another. A surprise windfall, financial freedom, and the ability to help loved ones—it’s an exciting thought. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and they use that dream to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.

Between 2020 and 2025, Iowans reported losing over $5.2 million to lottery scams, with the majority of victims being age 65 and older. These scams are not just numbers—they represent real people, real savings, and real hardship.

How Lottery Scams Work
Lottery scams are designed to feel exciting and urgent. You may receive a phone call, text message, email, or even a social media message claiming that you’ve won a large prize. The message often looks official and may even include fake logos or documents to appear legitimate.

But there’s a catch—there always is.

Before you can “claim” your winnings, the scammer will ask you to:

Pay a fee (for taxes, processing, or delivery)
Provide personal or financial information
Click a link and enter sensitive details
In reality, there is no prize. Once you send money or share information, it’s often gone for good.

Red Flags to Watch For
Understanding the warning signs is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. It seems too good to be true
If you didn’t enter a lottery, you didn’t win one. Legitimate lotteries do not randomly select winners who never participated.

2. You’re asked to pay to claim a prize
This is one of the biggest red flags. Real lotteries deduct taxes from winnings—they don’t require upfront payments.

3. Requests for personal information
Scammers often try to collect Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords under the guise of “verification.”

4. Pressure to act quickly
Scammers create urgency so you don’t have time to think or verify the claim.

What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do
If you receive a message about a lottery win, take a moment to pause and evaluate before responding.

Do NOT:

Send money to claim a prize
Share financial or personal information
Click on suspicious links
Respond to unsolicited messages
Do:

Talk to a trusted friend or family member
Verify the information through official sources
Report the scam to local authorities or consumer protection agencies
Why Older Adults Are Often Targeted
Scammers frequently target older adults because they are more likely to have savings, own their homes, and be trusting of official-looking communications. Additionally, scammers may assume older individuals are less familiar with digital fraud tactics.

That’s why it’s so important for families and communities to have open conversations about scams. A simple discussion can prevent a devastating loss.

Building a Safer Community Together
The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge and Webster County is committed to raising awareness and helping residents stay informed. Education is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent scams and protect one another.

By learning the signs and sharing this information, you can help stop scams before they start.

Because when it comes to protecting our community, awareness isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. ... See MoreSee Less

Recognizing Excellence in Law Enforcement
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed on January 9, is an opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the men and women who serve our communities every day. At Safe Communities Coalition, we believe it’s important not only to say thank you, but also to highlight the meaningful impact local law enforcement has on community safety.

What Is a Crime Clearance Rate?
A crime clearance rate represents the percentage of reported crimes that are solved. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE), a case is considered “cleared” when:

An arrest is made, or

The offender is identified, but an arrest cannot be made due to circumstances beyond law enforcement control, such as the death of the offender.

Clearance rates are one of several tools used to understand investigative effectiveness and accountability within law enforcement agencies.

How Our Local Agencies Compare
Data from the Crime Data Explorer (cde.ucr.cjis.gov) shows that over the past five years, local law enforcement in Fort Dodge has consistently achieved closure rates above the national average across major crime categories, including:

Homicide

Aggravated Assault

Robbery

Rape

Larceny

Burglary

These outcomes reflect countless hours of investigative work, collaboration with community members, and a commitment to seeing cases through to resolution.

Why This Matters
High clearance rates are more than just statistics. They represent:

Justice for victims

Accountability for offenders

Increased community trust

Safer neighborhoods for families

When crimes are solved, it sends a powerful message that violence and theft are taken seriously—and that law enforcement and the community are working together to prevent harm.

Our Commitment as a Coalition
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to educating the public, improving safety awareness, and encouraging positive, productive engagement between law enforcement and the community. By sharing data, promoting transparency, and celebrating success, we aim to strengthen relationships that make our community safer and stronger.

We are proud to recognize the hard work of our local law enforcement professionals and thank them for their continued service to Fort Dodge and Webster County. ... See MoreSee Less

Thank an officer today! ... See MoreSee Less

A Resolution to Improve Community Safety
As a new year begins, many of us set resolutions focused on personal goals—getting organized, exercising more, or saving money. While those intentions are valuable, the start of a new year is also a powerful opportunity to think beyond ourselves and focus on something that benefits everyone: community safety.

At Safe Communities Coalition, we believe that safer neighborhoods are built through awareness, connection, and shared responsibility. This year, consider making a resolution that strengthens not only your household, but the entire community.

Talk About Safety—Regularly
One of the most impactful steps families can take is having ongoing conversations about safety. Set aside weekly or monthly time to talk with children about topics like home safety, online safety, personal boundaries, and what to do in emergencies. These discussions don’t have to be formal or scary—simple, age-appropriate conversations build confidence and preparedness over time.

Stay Proactive About Data Protection
Identity theft and cybercrime don’t discriminate by age. Make it a habit to review passwords, monitor bank and credit activity, and talk with kids about protecting personal information online. Scheduling a specific time each month to check accounts or update passwords can help prevent issues before they arise.

Get to Know Your Neighbors
Strong communities are connected communities. Challenge yourself to get to know a certain number of neighbors this year—whether it’s learning their names, exchanging contact information, or simply saying hello. Familiar faces increase trust, improve communication, and make neighborhoods safer places to live.

Give Back Through Volunteering
Volunteering is a meaningful way to strengthen community bonds and address local needs. Look for opportunities that fit your interests or involve your whole family. When residents actively contribute their time and talents, communities become more resilient and supportive.

Prioritize Emotional Connection
Safety isn’t only physical—it’s emotional, too. Make time for screen-free moments with loved ones. Shared meals, conversations, and activities help build strong relationships, which play a vital role in emotional well-being and overall safety.

Make Your Resolutions Sustainable
The key to meaningful change is setting resolutions that are realistic and sustainable. Start small by choosing one or two safety-focused goals rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Be specific about what you want to achieve and set simple timelines—such as monthly check-ins or quarterly goals—to help you stay on track. Celebrate progress along the way, even small wins, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Sustainable resolutions are built through consistency, not perfection, and small actions repeated over time can lead to lasting improvements in safety and connection.

A Shared Commitment to Safety
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to educating the community, raising safety awareness, and encouraging positive, productive engagement between law enforcement and residents. By making intentional choices throughout the year, each of us can help create safer, stronger neighborhoods for everyone. ... See MoreSee Less

Don't forget to break down the boxes after you break out the new toys! ... See MoreSee Less

As the holiday season arrives in full swing, Fort Dodgers are hitting “place order” at record speed. With Cyber Monday behind us and online shopping ramping up, our front porches are about to become busier than Santa’s workshop.
But while we look forward to the joy of holiday deliveries, there's a not-so-joyful trend sweeping across the state: package theft.

Iowans Are 150% More Likely to Experience Porch Theft

It’s a surprising and unsettling statistic—Iowans are 150% more likely to have a package stolen from their porch than the average American.
That means taking steps to protect holiday deliveries isn’t just a good idea—it’s necessary.

To help combat this growing problem, the Safe Communities Coalition, a program of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation, is encouraging families to "Grinch-proof" their homes this season.

And what better way to share the message than with a little festive fun?

Holiday Delivery Safety Tips for Fort Dodge Families

Inspired by the Whos’ cleverness, here are real-world steps you can take to keep your holiday deliveries out of the hands of porch pirates:

1. Use Delivery Alerts

Sign up for text or email notifications so you know exactly when a package arrives.

2. Install Video Doorbells or Cameras

Even inexpensive models can deter thieves and monitor activity.

3. Bring Packages Inside Promptly

The less time a package sits outside, the lower the risk.

4. Explore Delivery Alternatives

Consider having packages delivered to your workplace, a trusted neighbor, or a secure pick-up locker.

5. Use Lockboxes or Hidden Areas

Secure boxes or tucked-away drop spots can keep items out of sight—and out of mind for thieves.

6. Request Signature on Delivery When Possible

This ensures your package won’t be left unattended.

A Community Effort to Keep the Season Bright

The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge & Webster County is committed to helping residents stay safe, informed, and connected. By spreading awareness about delivery theft prevention, the Coalition aims to foster safer neighborhoods and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.

This holiday season, let’s work together—just like the Whos do—to protect our homes, our packages, and the joy of giving. ... See MoreSee Less