Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown is marking National Consumer Protection Week by highlighting major enforcement actions that protected Montana families over the past year while warning residents about the growing sophistication of financial scams.
Brown said protecting consumers from fraud and abuse remains the top priority for his office, noting that investigators have worked to stop complex schemes and recover significant financial protections for Montanans.
“Protecting Montana consumers is my top priority,” Brown said. “Over the last year, our dedicated team has stopped sophisticated fraud schemes, held bad actors accountable, and put millions back on track for Montana families. But scammers are getting smarter every day, and we’re using every tool to keep Montana families one step ahead of the fraudsters.”
Major Consumer Protection Actions
Brown’s office reported several major enforcement efforts over the past year that officials say prevented millions of dollars in potential losses.
Among the most significant actions was a coordinated investigation involving federal and tribal authorities that uncovered a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting tribal communities. The scheme allegedly involved sham healthcare treatment programs that could have left tribal members with inadequate care for serious health conditions while exposing them to financial exploitation.
State officials said the investigation helped halt the operation and protect vulnerable communities from further harm.
The commissioner’s office also intervened in what officials described as an Obamacare-related fraud attempt involving a Montana-based insurance company. According to the office, the transaction could have drained capital from the insurer, potentially leading to higher premiums and reduced financial protections for policyholders.
By blocking the deal and requiring additional safeguards, Brown’s office said it prevented an estimated $23.3 million in financial harm to the company and its customers.
Brown also noted that Montana has gained a stronger voice in national consumer protection efforts. He was recently appointed to several key committees within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, giving the state a role in shaping national policies aimed at combating fraud and strengthening oversight of insurance and investment markets.
Growing Threats Facing Consumers
While highlighting the enforcement successes, Brown warned that fraud schemes targeting consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Investigators say one of the fastest-growing threats involves artificial intelligence-powered scams, where criminals use AI technology to mimic voices, generate convincing messages, and create fake online identities. These scams often involve urgent requests for money from someone posing as a family member, government agency, or financial institution.
The commissioner also warned about investment and cryptocurrency scams, where fraudsters promote so-called “guaranteed” investment opportunities that promise high returns but are often unregistered and disappear once enough money is collected.
Other common schemes include health insurance scams, where criminals impersonate Medicare representatives or insurance agents to obtain personal information or sell fraudulent coverage, as well as online marketplace and romance scams that pressure victims into sending money through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
“Whether it’s a phone call, text, email, or social media message, if someone is pushing you to act immediately and pay in an unusual way, that’s a major red flag,” Brown said. “Slow down, hang up, and contact a trusted source before you send money or share personal information.”
Steps to Protect Against Scams
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Brown’s office is encouraging Montanans to take time to review their financial protections and discuss scam awareness with family members, particularly seniors and young adults who are frequently targeted.
Officials recommend several precautions, including avoiding reliance on caller ID alone since scammers can spoof legitimate numbers, refusing to share Social Security numbers or financial information with unexpected callers, and being skeptical of any request for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
Consumers are also encouraged to verify investment opportunities and insurance products through the commissioner’s office before sending money and to encourage family members to consult a trusted person before responding to suspicious requests.
State officials say continued vigilance and public awareness are key to preventing financial fraud and protecting Montana families from increasingly sophisticated scams.