FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – On Wednesday July 10, 2024, the Horse Gulch Wildfire grew rapidly near Canyon Ferry Lake and claimed the life of a wildland firefighter pilot, Juliana Turchetti. “Our deepest condolences go out to this brave pilot, her family, and friends during this difficult time,” said Commissioner Troy Downing. “We are … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – In 2023, consumers reported losing more than $4.6 billion to investment scams nationwide, according to the Federal Trade Commission. To date, national data indicates investment-related fraud in 2024 is among the fastest-growing types in the United States. Unfortunately, once money is scammed it is often gone for good. For … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Montanans who invested in VBit Technologies, Advanced Mining, VBit Mining, and VBit DC Corp (collectively referred to as VBit) cryptocurrency-mining machines are asked to contact the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) by July 8, 2024. As early as 2021, VBit began marketing to and contracting with Montanans for the sale … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Commissioner of Securities Insurance (CSI) and Gallatin County Attorney charged four men with engaging in a conspiracy to defraud investors, farmers, and the State of Montana through various means, including a Ponzi scheme. “As the Gallatin County Attorney, I want to thank Commissioner Downing for his diligent efforts investigating fraud within … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – A CSI investigation revealed that in January 2022, Mr. Dennis Hurlbert, owner of Belgrade Plumbing and Heating, presented a Certificate of Liability Insurance to a would-be employer. The certificate indicated Mr. Hurlbert had effective general liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance. The certificate was a falsified document, confirmed … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hon. Michael S. Regan, AdministratorU.S. Environmental Protection Agency1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 1101-AWashington, D.C. 20460 Re: CARB’s Clean Air Act Authorization Request [Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0574] Dear Administrator Regan:I am writing to request that the EPA reject the above authorization request, which would permit the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to circumvent federal … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana –Bondsman Jay Steven Hubber and bounty-hunting partner, Nicholas John Jaeger, were found guilty of aggravated burglary and deliberate homicide (Hubber by accountability) this past Thursday. The shooting death of William Harris occurred after Hubber and Jaeger charged into Harris’ home unlawfully looking for David Sandoval (the bail jumper). During a … Read more
Be on the lookout for phony promises of easy profits fromrising prices in gold, silver, or other precious metals. Helena, Montana—The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) warns Montanans to beware of precious metals scams that are designed to drain retirement funds. These metals include gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Scammers notify you about tricky … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is hosting 16 investor protection events across western Montana this March. The events are part of the Protecting the Big Sky tour—a series of educational presentations to inform adults and seniors about common investment scams, and how to detect and prevent financial exploitation. In … Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—With love in the air and the recent FBI warning, the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) emphasizes the importance of Montanans to be on the watch for romance scams—or confidence scams—and recognizing the warning signs. On the rise nationally, romance scams target our neighbors and loved ones of all ages. … Read more