Independent Operators

Iowa food trucks lose money to scammers

Photo: Adobe Stock

July 10, 2026

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Iowa food truck operators were targeted by scammers ahead of an event at the 40th Dubuque Fireworks & Air Show Spectacular on July 3. Two arrived at the event, but organizers had no record of the booking, according to a report by KRGC.

The operators were scammed by a group pretending to be the event organizers who asked for money to reserve a spot.

Dubuque Police Lt. Luke Bock said that one red flag to look out for is the payment methods offered by the group. This group of scammers said they wouldn't accept a check and instead demand payment from Zelle.

"That should be just a red flag," Bock said in the report. "If somebody says, no, I'm not taking a check from you, then be wondering, why not? So, and for us, obviously, if it's a scammer, because that's more of a paper trail."