So far in 2026, Montana State Auditor James Brown and his team have helped to prevent nearly $1 million in fraud-related losses for Montanans, according to a press release from Brown’s office.
As a result of a recent agency performance initiative, Brown’s office began tracking the amount of financial loss prevented through halted payments. To date, $946,294.99 in fraud losses have been prevented due to cooperation between Brown’s staff and partners in Montana’s financial industry.
Efforts in Montana to counter fraud activities have directly engaged an estimated 880 Montana residents in communities throughout the state, Brown’s office said. Further, Brown said he has elevated fraud and abuse investigations to the top of his priority list.
“My office is working harder than ever to not only pursue justice for victims of fraud and scams, but to prevent their financial losses in the first place. My goal as a public servant is to protect Montanans and their pocketbooks,” Brown said. “We are getting out in front of the issue by informing Montanans of the risks they face and letting them know that the agency is here to help if they do fall victim to bad actors. I make a promise to those who would do harm to my Montana neighbors: I will find, investigate and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Montana saw a significant increase in fraud and scam cases in 2025 and, unfortunately, 2026 is tracking to be even worse, he added. The auditor’s office received 25 fraud complaints in the first quarter of 2026, up from 11 in the first quarter of 2025. These complaints total $3,338,869.59 in reported losses.
“The increase in reports coming in indicates greater awareness and willingness by Montanans to reach out to my office to pursue restitution and justice. Fraud only flourishes in the dark. I am pleased to see more Montanans coming forward when they have been the victim or intended victim of a fraud scheme,” Brown said.