News

Commissioner James Brown Joins Colleagues in Support of Legislation That Would Rein in Politicized Debanking

Political forces are lining up behind legislation, namely the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management Act, or FIRM Act, that would rein in regulators’ abilities to pressure banks into denying services to legal but disfavored industries. The case that certain companies, particularly those in the crypto industry, were getting debanked by association looked improbable not long ago. Mounting evidence to … Read more

Montana insurance commissioner offers help to Southern California colleague in fires’ aftermath

By Phil Drake, Helena Independent Record James Brown, Montana state auditor and commissioner of securities and insurance, said Monday he sent a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara offering assistance to help deal with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. Brown, recently sworn in as commissioner, told Lara that while he was still learning … Read more

Fraud Awareness Week: How to stay safe from potential scams

GREAT FALLS — November 17-23 is International Fraud Awareness Week, which serves as an important reminder to be aware of potential scams sent your way. “In 2023, $12.5 billion was lost to fraud,” explained Blair Stapleton, the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, “And that’s nearly quadrupled since 2019.” Stapleton explains … Read more

CSI Works to Improve Revocation and Surrender ProcessFor Montana Bail Bonds Professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.— Commissioner Troy Downing is pleased to announce a significant update to the revocation and surrender process for bail agents across Montana. This new procedure introduces a single, standardized surrender form to be used statewide, now available through the CSI website portal HERE. The CSI is working with detention centers and … Read more

Montana Insurance Department addresses repair cost denial, refutes ‘unsupported’ claims from Liberty Mutual

By Lurah LoweryCollision Repair | Insurance | Repair Operations   In answer to a consumer complaint, Montana’s deputy insurance commissioner has told Liberty Mutual its settlement of a claim isn’t sufficient and that simply stating a referenced blend study as “unverified” without evidence to back it up is unacceptable. Liberty Mutual denied payment for the amount charged by the repair facility … Read more

State presents tools to help protect people from scams

A presentation at the Thompson Falls Senior Center last week educated citizens on how to be aware of potential scams and fraud. Presenters Blair Stapleton and Drew Czoik from the state Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Office traveled from Helena to Thompson Falls to inform the audience of potential fraud and scams via the internet … Read more

Fraud schemes target older Montanans

By SCOTT SHINDLEDECKERThe Western News Click HERE to view the article.  The numbers are staggering and the effects are long lasting. Fraud seems to be everywhere and its perpetrators are relentless. The victims of fraud fall into no particular category, age or educational background, but those over the age of 60 are most vulnerable. Officials with … Read more

1st Security President Talks Scams

By Luke Ulatowski First Security Bank of Deer Lodge President Tom Christnacht warned of bank and social media scams as the guest speaker at a Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) “Protecting the Big Sky” presentation on Thursday. Held at the Powell County Community Center, the presentation was only one stop on a CSI … Read more

State works to educate public about rising threat of cybercrime across Montana

By Bryanna Carroll  |  NBC Montana BOZEMAN, Mont. — The FBI reports cybercrimes are up 62% from 2019 levels, and since then, losses from internet scams have more than tripled, coming in at $12.5 billion last year. Montana is not immune to the threat. In 2023, the state ranked No. 7 nationwide for highest losses per … Read more