The Sanders County LedgerClick HERE to view the article. Common financial scams in Montana is the topic of a special presentation set for March 27 at the Thompson Falls Senior Center. Speaker Blaire Stapleton is the Investor Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for the Office of the Montana State Auditor Commissioner of Securities and Insurance … Read more
By: James Rolin GREAT FALLS — Staff from the Montana State Auditor Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Office (CSIMT) came to the Highgate Senior Living Facility on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, as part of a larger series of presentations that they are giving around the state. For the event, the Outreach Coordinator of CSIMT, Blair … Read more
Montana Senior NewsClick HERE to view the article. With love in the air and the recent FBI warning, the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) emphasizes the importance to be on the watch for romance scams. CSI also emphasizes the importance of being on the watch for confidence scams and to recognize the warning signs. … Read more
HELENA — The elderly are often targeted in financial scams, typically through their computers and cell phones, and Montana is no different. “I get probably ten scam emails a day and one or two ‘robocalls’ a month,” said 80-year-old Fred Cowie. He experiences scammers daily and spoke with me Thursday at Albertson’s in Helena, where … Read more
Forsyth woman was sentenced Thursday to 51 months in prison for defrauding customers through her insurance brokerage business to finance her alcohol and gambling addictions. Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She could have been sentenced to as little as two years — the minimum sentence … Read more
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
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
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