Montana
Elder fraud on the rise in Montana
On March 26th, the city of Helena proclaimed April as Fraud Prevention Month, encouraging people to be aware of scams and to take preventative measures. April also marks the American Association of Retired Persons Fraud Prevention Month. While anybody can be impacted, older Americans are most at risk.
“It can completely change their life, as far as losing their life savings,” said AARP director of outreach and community engagement Marcus Meyer. “It can take an emotional toll on them, where they may become paranoid or not trustworthy.”
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission data showed over 6,000 Montanans reported fraud losses, totaling over $23 million dollars. The Department of Justice says they’re seeing a huge uptick in numbers, getting calls every day.
Scams and fraud can come in many shapes and sizes, from calls, texts, emails, social media, and even AI. Thankfully, there are signs to look for to avoid them altogether.
Evan Charney, MTN News
“A sense of urgency, so wanting you to act now, make some sort of payment where it’s untraceable,” Meyer said.
Experts say if you see a potential scam, consider if it’s too good to be true.
Officials in the Division of Criminal Investigation with the Department of Justice remind residents that legitimate government agencies will never ask for immediate payment, whether that be through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or even a text.
“Just most recently, I got one saying that I had a violation from MHP, and that I had to pay all this money,” explained DCI Edler Justice Unit agent Jeremy Alvarez. “It came on my work phone, and I’m like… Montana Highway Patrol doesn’t do that.”
For those with concerns, there are plenty of resources available to be made aware of scams, take preventative measures, and make reports of incidents.
The division of criminal investigation works with local law enforcement to investigate reports, tracking where the money goes, and providing assistance where they can.
Evan Charney, MTN News
Throughout the month of April, AARP is holding conferences and webinars to raise awareness. Here in Helena, they’re hosting a shred event at the UPS store so people can shred their documents with personal information to reduce their risk.
More information about these events and resources can be found here.
ByKECI•
Updated: July 2, 2026, 9:58 am EDTPublished: July 2, 2026, 9:18 am EDT3 hours ago
Thunderstorms continue for Northern Rockies, especially southwest Montana, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Highs mid-70s today, warming to 80s this weekend. Next week turns warmer and drier with highs reaching upper 80s to low 90s.
MISSOULA, Mont. — Amid recent flooding and ahead of wildfire season, Montana State Auditor James Brown is urging homeowners to make sure their homes are properly insured.
Brown said flooding is the leading cause of insurance peril in the nation and can happen year-round in Montana.
He said homeowners should not wait until flooding is imminent to seek coverage because there is typically a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect.
“Number one, by far the number one source of confusion related to flood insurance is the basic homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, most Montanans may not know that,” said Brown.
Brown said some private flood insurance options exist, but the National Flood Insurance Program remains the main way Montanans can get covered.
He also said wildfire coverage is becoming less common in standard homeowners insurance policies and increasingly expensive.
Brown encouraged homeowners to be careful when shopping for the lowest-cost policy, because cheaper plans may offer less coverage or come with higher deductibles.
“That may not be enough to cover the loss if their house were to burn down, so one of the things we encourage as well is to talk to your agent about what the level of coverage that you have for your home to make sure that it’s fully insured so if you do have a fire or flood or some sort of peril, you’re able to replace your home,” said Brown.
Lower-cost policies may leave homeowners responsible for the first several thousand dollars in losses before insurance coverage begins.
Brown said homeowners should speak with their insurance agents to make sure their policies covers damages if a disaster occurs.
MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn on Tuesday as the university’s 20th president.
Shinn’s tenure begins July 1.
“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”
He joins the university after serving as interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts aimed at enhancing student engagement, strengthening campus partnerships and expanding access to affordable education opportunities for students.
“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”
The following was sent out by the University of Montana:
The University of Montana today officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the flagship institution.
Shinn’s tenure leading UM begins July 1.
“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”
Shinn joins UM after a successful tenure as the interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts to enhance student engagement, strengthen campus partnerships and expand access to affordable education opportunities for students.
“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”
Shinn takes the helm at UM during an important time, as the University prepares to welcome the class of 2030 to campus next month.
“Our students deserve a university built for the world they’re entering, not the one we’re leaving behind,” Shinn added. “At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, UM will meet this moment. Not with arguments, but with proof. In our work, in our graduates and in our service to Montana.”
Prior to serving as Boise State interim president, Shinn was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. He also served as vice president for student affairs at Louisiana State University. Shinn earned a Ph.D. from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University.
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