Attorney General Brenna Bird announced on Apr. 8 the recipients of the 2026 Consumer Protection Hero Award at a press conference in Des Moines.
The award recognizes individuals who have taken significant steps to prevent scams and protect fellow Iowans. Bird said, “Our team at the Attorney General’s Office is always hard at work to stop the scam and protect Iowans. But we can’t do it alone. Today we thank three heroes who have gone above and beyond to save someone from being scammed. They saw something and said something—and I, along with the people they saved and their families, am very grateful for their courage. They are truly heroes!”
Al Perales, an investigator in the Attorney General’s Office for more than twenty years, highlighted how ordinary citizens play a crucial role in fighting scams alongside law enforcement agencies. “If it weren’t for the three Iowans who took action, we wouldn’t be here today,” Perales said. “Their example shows us that stopping scammers isn’t just the job of the Attorney General’s Office – it’s something we can all be a part of.”
The 2026 Consumer Protection Hero Awards were given to three individuals whose actions helped prevent others from becoming victims of scams.
Anyone who believes they may be involved in or are a victim of a scam is encouraged to contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office by calling 1-888-777-4590, emailing consumer@iowa.gov, or filing online at iowaattorneygeneral.gov.
