Helena, Montana – Attorney General Austin Knudsen is urging Montana residents to remain cautious and informed as scammers continue to develop new tactics aimed at stealing money and personal data. The call comes after the Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) reported major enforcement activity for 2025, which included stopping 599 scams and handling nearly 1,400 complaints about businesses.
According to official reports, the OCP helped prevent Montanans from losing a total of $1.67 million last year. Out of that figure, $750,278 in potential scam losses were directly blocked, and $923,337 was successfully recovered for customers who had filed formal complaints about dishonest business practices.
“The Office of Consumer Protection works hard to educate and protect against scammers attempting to take money from the pockets of Montanans,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “It’s more important than ever that you stay skeptical. As technology continues to evolve, scammers are finding new ways to deceive you and convince you to send them money. If you believe you may have fallen victim to a scam or fraudulent business, please contact our office immediately. We are here to help.”
How Scammers Operate and What to Watch For
In addition to the recovered and prevented losses, the OCP noted that Montanans reported a total of $2.1 million in attempted scams they recognized before paying. These near-misses are a sign that public education is having an impact, but officials stress the need for continuous vigilance.
To help residents protect themselves, the Montana DOJ has shared a series of important tips:
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Do not share personal or financial details over the phone or internet with unknown solicitors. Legitimate banks and government agencies will never cold call and request such information.
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Never send money to strangers, especially via gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. Even if a message or request seems to come from someone familiar, verify it first.
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Use common sense and verify information. Reach out to trusted people or the OCP if something feels suspicious.
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Don’t let urgency fool you—avoid pressure tactics and be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true.
How to Report a Scam
If you believe you’ve encountered a scam or have been contacted by a suspicious business, the Montana Department of Justice encourages immediate reporting. Montanans can reach out to the Office of Consumer Protection by email at [email protected], by calling 406-444-4500 or toll-free at 800-481-6896, or by filing a report online at dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection.
With scammers growing more advanced, Knudsen’s office is asking residents to stay alert and continue being proactive. The state remains committed to shielding its citizens through education, enforcement, and ongoing support.
