HELENA — Commissioner Troy Downing signed a $50,000 restitution check for a fraud victim Friday, according to a news release from the office of the Montana State Auditor. Susan Bivins, of Anaconda, was the victim of an elaborate fraud scheme that cost her not only her checking and savings accounts but also her entire retirement savings. … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – Commissioner Troy Downing and the Montana Land Board voted to approve the purchase of the Lower Yellowstone River Project and the North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The 328-acre property is located approximately two miles upstream of the Far West Fishing Access Site and consists primarily of riparian … Read more
BUTTE — Scammers are always trying to con people out of their money and unfortunately, their most vulnerable victims live in places like one retirement home in Butte, where some residents say they’ve already had some experiences with these predators. “Oh yes, I have, several times, especially the ‘Hi grandma, I just got picked up, … Read more
BILLINGS, Mont. — Thursday the Highgate Senior Living home was visited by the MontanaCommissioner of Securities and Insurance for their monthly fraud prevention bingo event The Investor Education and Public Outreach Coordinator, Blair Stapleton said the event helps educate seniors on the importance of “defending themselves and their dollars” against scams. According to the Department of Justice’s 2022Elder Fraud Report in the state of Montana people over 60 have lost more than $ 3.1 billion dollars to scams. Blair estimates that as few as 1 in … Read more
BILLINGS – A former Billings insurance agent must pay back more than $86,000 in restitution after she pleaded guilty to defrauding an insurance company by falsifying records for dozens of fake clients, then collecting commission, Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing announced Wednesday. Jessica Siegel must also complete 200 hours of community service … Read more
Commissioner Downing Applauds Another Successful CSI Prosecution Helena, Mont.- Former Billings insurance agent Jessica Siegel pleaded guilty in Montana’s 13th District Court to criminal insurance fraud. Siegel was ordered to pay more than $86,000 in restitution, serve a six-year deferred sentence, and complete 200 hours of community service. The prosecution of Ms. Siegel is the … Read more
MISSOULA, Mont. — Bail bondsmen showing up at homes with guns drawn creates the potential for dangerous encounters. We’re digging into the issue to find out how the state is working to improve public safety. Video shows a tense moment back in 2020 for Park County homeowners as bail bondsmen make themselves known — looking for … Read more
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, REDC participated in an informational meeting with Montana‘s Commissioner of Securities & Insurance (CSI), Troy Downing. Downing and his team were traveling across Montana to spread the word regarding scams and fraudulent activities that his office is seeing. Downing reported, “One of the biggest financial frauds that our office sees, is upon our senior … Read more
Havre Daily NewsBy Patrick Johnston Montana Auditor Troy Downing was at North Central Senior Citizens Center Thursday to give a presentation on common forms of financial fraud, part of a 14-stop tour aiming to promote awareness, improve prevention and reduce the stigma around people who are victimized by fraudsters, especially senior citizens. Downing said his role … Read more