The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) prevented Montanans from losing an estimated $1.67 million to scams and fraudulent business practices in 2025, according to figures released by Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
Knudsen said the numbers underscore the growing sophistication of scammers and the importance of public awareness as technology continues to evolve. In 2025 alone, OCP handled 599 scam complaints and an additional 1,395 complaints involving businesses across the state.
Breakdowns provided by the Department of Justice show that OCP prevented $750,278 in losses to scammers before money changed hands and recovered $923,337 for consumers who filed complaints about businesses. In addition, Montanans reported a potential loss of $2.1 million in cases where individuals recognized a scam attempt and did not send money, but still alerted OCP to the activity.
“The Office of Consumer Protection works hard to educate and protect against scammers attempting to take money from the pockets of Montanans,” Knudsen said in a statement. “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.”
State officials say scam tactics increasingly rely on impersonation, high-pressure demands, and electronic payment methods that are difficult to trace or recover once funds are sent. OCP encourages Montanans to slow down and verify information before responding to unsolicited requests for money or personal details.
The Department of Justice offered several reminders to help consumers protect themselves. Montanans are advised not to share personal or financial information with anyone who contacts them unexpectedly by phone, text, or online, noting that banks and government agencies do not initiate contact to request sensitive information. Officials also warn against wiring money, sending gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency to people consumers do not personally know, even if the request appears to come from a familiar source.
Consumers are further encouraged to use common sense, conduct basic research, talk with trusted friends or family members, and contact OCP with questions or concerns. High-pressure tactics, officials say, are a common red flag, and offers that seem too good to be true usually are.
Montanans who believe they may have been targeted by a scam or harmed by a fraudulent business are encouraged to report it to the Office of Consumer Protection as soon as possible.
By BSB Staff