By Hola Iowa
At least two mobile food vendors in the Dubuque area have lost money after receiving fake emails offering paid spots at local events. Authorities say the scam is still active and could spread to other Iowa communities during the summer event season.
Food truck and mobile food vendors in Dubuque are being targeted by a scam that uses fake event offers, upfront fees and threats tied to food licenses or permits.
The City of Dubuque Environmental Services and the Dubuque Police Department confirmed that at least two local mobile food vendors have already been affected. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing said the people behind the scheme are still operating in the Dubuque area and contacting current and potential food establishment license holders.
Fake vendor spots are being offered by email
The scam starts with emails that appear to offer paid food vendor spots at high-profile local events.
Some messages include event logistics and requests for upfront payments tied to permits, registration or vendor placement. One example involved supposed vendor opportunities connected to the 40th Fireworks & Air Show Spectacular at A.Y. McDonald Park.
After paying, vendors have arrived at event sites and found that the real organizers had no record of their booking. The money paid through the fake messages was gone.
Dubuque police told KCRG that scammers posed as organizers for an Independence Day weekend event and asked vendors to pay to reserve a spot. Lt. Luke Bock said one red flag came when a vendor asked to pay by check and was told the payment had to be made through Zelle instead.
Scammers are also using license threats
The scheme is not limited to fake event invitations.
Iowa officials said scammers are also demanding immediate payments or sensitive information from current and potential food establishment licensees. Some messages threaten regulatory action or license suspension if the vendor does not respond.
That tactic can make the message appear more urgent, especially for small businesses trying to keep licenses active or secure a spot at a busy summer event.
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Iowa food vendors can verify licenses and event spots
Food vendors in Iowa can apply for event, temporary food or mobile food licenses through the state’s food licensing system. License status can also be checked through that system. Questions about licenses or fees can be directed to the DIAL Food Safety Bureau or the local food inspection agency responsible for that area.
Event spots can be checked directly with the official organizer before money is sent. Contact information inside an unverified email may not belong to the real event organizer.
The scam comes during a busy season for fairs, fireworks shows, festivals and community events, when food trucks and mobile vendors often move quickly to secure locations.
Scam could move beyond Dubuque
Iowa officials said the scam could spread beyond Dubuque as summer events continue across the state. Scammers often move from one region to another to target new vendors during peak festival season.
The warning applies to food trucks, temporary food vendors, mobile food businesses and other food establishment operators across Iowa.
Where vendors can report the scam
Vendors in Dubuque who believe they were targeted or lost money can contact the Dubuque Police Department. KCRG reported the department’s non-emergency number as 563-589-4415.
Vendors targeted outside Dubuque can contact the local police department in the city or county where the scam occurred. Food license questions can be directed to the DIAL Food Safety Bureau or the local food inspection agency for that jurisdiction.
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