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# Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance

One of the smallest agencies in Montana’s state government, the Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) regulates two of the state’s largest industries: insurance and securities.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://csimt.gov/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Bounty Hunter Reform to Protect the Public](https://csimt.gov/2023/06/15/bounty-hunter-reform-to-protect-the-public/) - An Opinion Editorial by Commissioner Troy Downing Bail bonds are integral to the criminal justice system – they allow those charged with crimes freedom to work on their defense and deal with their personal lives and obligations prior to trial. Bail bond agents are responsible for ensuring a person shows up to court. If the
- [Troy Downing Offers Advice to Seniors on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day](https://csimt.gov/2023/06/14/troy-downing-offers-advice-to-seniors-on-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/) - Helena, Mont.- In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, Commissioner Troy Downing reminds Montanans to be vigilant of investment scams targeting seniors. The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is charged with protecting Montana investors from financial scams – the majority of these are perpetrated against our senior population. “Nearly every senior
- [State Auditor James Brown Announces Program Incentivizing Multi-Level Marketing Companies Operating Unlawfully in Montana to File Notices, Pay Reduced Fines](https://csimt.gov/2026/07/02/state-auditor-james-brown-announces-program-incentivizing-multi-level-marketing-companies-operating-unlawfully-in-montana-to-file-notices-pay-reduced-fines/)
- [Commissioner James Brown Secures Nearly $60,000 in Additional Funding for Montana Securities Fraud Restitution Fund Through Enforcement Settlements](https://csimt.gov/2026/06/24/commissioner-james-brown-secures-nearly-60000-in-additional-funding-for-montana-securities-fraud-restitution-fund-through-enforcement-settlements/)
- [Op-Ed: Ensuring Prosperity for Montana's Families by Promoting Business Investment in Montana](https://csimt.gov/2026/06/16/op-ed-ensuring-prosperity-for-montanas-families-by-promoting-business-investment-in-montana/)
- [State Auditor James Brown Joins Fellow Statewide Officials at June Land Board Meeting in Approving Over $1 Million in New Revenue for Montana Schools](https://csimt.gov/2026/06/15/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-fellow-statewide-officials-at-june-land-board-meeting-in-approving-over-1-million-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools/)
- [Montana Auditor James Brown Commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day](https://csimt.gov/2026/06/15/montana-auditor-james-brown-commemorates-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/)
- [Op-Ed: Montana Seniors Deserve Accountability in Medicare Advantage](https://csimt.gov/2026/06/11/op-ed-montana-seniors-deserve-accountability-in-medicare-advantage/)
- [Montana Auditor James Brown Announces His Support for Congressman Downing's PARTNERS Act Legislation](https://csimt.gov/2026/06/08/montana-auditor-james-brown-announces-his-support-for-congressman-downings-partners-act-legislation/)
- [Auditor James Brown Celebrates Land Board's Decision to Protect Public Lands, Expand Recreational Opportunities, and Raise More Funds for Public Schools by Removing Bureaucratic Hurdles Hindering State Land Exchanges](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/18/auditor-james-brown-celebrates-land-boards-decision-to-protect-public-lands-expand-recreational-opportunities-and-raise-more-funds-for-public-schools-by-removing-bureaucratic-hurdles-hindering-sta/)
- [Op-Ed: Fighting Fraud and Putting Montana Families First](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/15/op-ed-fighting-fraud-and-putting-montana-families-first/)
- [Op-Ed: Benefiting Montana’s Schools and Public Lands Through Responsible State Trust Land Exchanges](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/14/op-ed-benefiting-montanas-schools-and-public-lands-through-responsible-state-trust-land-exchanges/)
- [Op-Ed: Defending Montana Ranchers and the School Trust on the Land Board](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/14/op-ed-defending-montana-ranchers-and-the-school-trust-on-the-land-board/)
- [Commissioner James Brown Secures $22,500 in Contributions to Montana Securities Fraud Restitution Fund by Settling Series of Securities Registration Enforcement Actions](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/13/commissioner-james-brown-secures-22500-in-contributions-to-montana-securities-fraud-restitution-fund-by-settling-series-of-securities-registration-enforcement-actions-2/)
- [Fact Sheet: Commissioner James Brown Summarizes Public Comment Received by His Agency on Future of Digital Assets and Innovation](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/12/commissioner-james-brown-secures-22500-in-contributions-to-montana-securities-fraud-restitution-fund-by-settling-series-of-securities-registration-enforcement-actions/)
- [Helena District Court Dismisses Mr. Bail Inc.'s Request to Overturn Insurance Commissioner Brown's Emergency Suspension and Cease and Desist Order](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/12/helena-district-court-dismisses-mr-bail-inc-s-request-to-overturn-insurance-commissioner-browns-emergency-suspension-and-cease-and-desist-order/)
- [Insurance Commissioner James Brown Announces More Than $4 Million in Savings for Montana Consumers in First Four Months of 2026 by Denying Unjustified Rate Increases](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/08/insurance-commissioner-james-brown-announces-more-than-4-million-in-savings-for-montana-consumers-in-first-four-months-of-2026-by-denying-unjustified-rate-increases/)
- [Insurance Commissioner James Brown Takes Decisive Action to Protect Montana Consumers From Misleading Health Insurance Plans](https://csimt.gov/2026/05/04/insurance-commissioner-james-brown-takes-decisive-action-to-protect-montana-consumers-from-misleading-health-insurance-plans/)
- [Auditor James Brown Stops an Additional $14 Million From Being Wrongfully Paid Out in Obamacare Fraud Scheme Targeting Montana’s Native Communities](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/21/auditor-james-brown-stops-an-additional-14-million-from-being-wrongfully-paid-out-in-obamacare-fraud-scheme-targeting-montanas-native-communities/)
- [State Auditor James Brown Joins Fellow Statewide Officials at April Land Board Meeting in Approving More Than $688,000 in New Revenue for Montana Schools](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/20/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-fellow-statewide-officials-at-april-land-board-meeting-in-approving-more-than-688000-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools/)
- [Montana Court Backs Auditor James Brown's Authority to Investigate Potential Violations of Montana Law by Regulated Insurance Companies](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/16/montana-court-backs-auditor-james-browns-authority-to-investigate-potential-violations-of-montana-law-by-regulated-insurance-companies/) - Clears Way for Office to Continue Probe of Data Breach Impacting 462,000 Montanans
- [Auditor James Brown Announces His Team Has Prevented Nearly $1Mln in Fraud-Related Losses for Montanans in 2026](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/13/auditor-james-brown-announces-his-team-has-prevented-nearly-1mln-in-fraud-related-losses-for-montanans-in-2026/)
- [Montana Commissioner of Insurance James Brown Urges Montanans to Prepare for Flood Season With Awareness, Coverage, and Supplies](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/06/montana-commissioner-of-insurance-james-brown-urges-montanans-to-prepare-for-flood-season-with-awareness-coverage-and-supplies/)
- [Montana Land Board battles American Prairie in new bison lands lawsuit](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/03/montana-land-board-battles-american-prairie-in-new-bison-lands-lawsuit/) - Bowen West | April 1, 2026 Image by: Hunter D’Antuono | Flathead Beacon A new lawsuit over American Prairie’s bison herd is becoming a fight over the future of Montana’s public lands. The American Prairie nonprofit has sued the Montana state Land Board and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation over a decision to
- [Commissioner Brown Urges Montanans to Learn About Conservation Leases That Pay Landowners to Protect Working Agricultural Lands](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/01/commissioner-brown-urges-montanans-to-learn-about-conservation-leases-that-pay-landowners-to-protect-working-agricultural-lands/)
- [Auditor Brown Joins Governor Gianforte in Proclaiming April as Financial Literacy Month](https://csimt.gov/2026/04/01/auditor-brown-joins-governor-gianforte-in-proclaiming-april-as-financial-literacy-month/)
- [State Auditor James Brown Joins Fellow Statewide Officials at March Land Board Meeting in Approving Over $1.63M in New Revenue for Montana Schools](https://csimt.gov/2026/03/16/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-fellow-statewide-officials-at-march-land-board-meeting-in-approving-over-1-63m-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools/)
- [Brown Adopts Data-Driven Plan to Boost Results for Montana Consumers](https://csimt.gov/2026/03/16/brown-adopts-data-driven-plan-to-boost-results-for-montana-consumers/)
- [Auditor James Brown Announces Agency Approval of the Bridged Health Alliance Trust as the first school district health insurance trust to operate pursuant to House Bill 332 from the 2023 Legislature](https://csimt.gov/2026/03/10/auditor-james-brown-announces-agency-approval-of-the-bridged-health-alliance-trust-as-the-first-school-district-health-insurance-trust-to-operate-pursuant-to-house-bill-332-from-the-2023-legislature/)
- [State Auditor James Brown successfully defends the constitutionality of HB 379 passed by the 2021 Montana Legislature: Brown’s legal work vindicates the Legislature’s prerogative to enact legislation that benefits Montanans.](https://csimt.gov/2026/03/10/state-auditor-james-brown-successfully-defends-the-constitutionality-of-hb-379-passed-by-the-2021-montana-legislature-browns-legal-work-vindicates-the-legislatures-prerogative-to-en/) - Order - Motions for Summary Judgment Download
- [Commissioner James Brown Marks National Consumer Protection Week by Detailing Major Wins for Montana Families](https://csimt.gov/2026/03/03/commissioner-james-brown-marks-national-consumer-protection-week-by-detailing-major-wins-for-montana-families/)
- [Romance Scams On The Rise In Montana Ahead Of Valentine’s Day](https://csimt.gov/2026/02/27/romance-scams-on-the-rise-in-montana-ahead-of-valentines-day/) - Michael Teeple | NonStop Local As Valentine's Day approaches, the risk of falling victim to romance scams increases, with many in Gallatin Valley losing thousands of dollars. Romance scams have become a common method for scammers to defraud unsuspecting individuals seeking companionship. According to the State Auditor's Office, scammers create fake online profiles, often on dating apps, to steal
- [Fewer Montanans enroll in health care marketplace following expiration of ACA subsidies](https://csimt.gov/2026/02/27/fewer-montanans-enroll-in-health-care-marketplace-following-expiration-of-aca-subsidies/) - Thom Bridge | Bozeman Daily Chronicle Fewer Montanans have chosen to enroll in marketplace health plans this year, an outcome foreshadowed by health policy experts who warned that letting subsidies lapse would lead people to gamble on foregoing insurance coverage rather than pay sky high premiums. Last year’s federal government shutdown — the longest ever-recorded
- [State Auditor James Brown Joins Fellow Statewide Officials at February Land Board Meeting in Approving an Estimated $115,000 in New Revenue for Montana Schools](https://csimt.gov/2026/02/17/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-fellow-statewide-officials-at-february-land-board-meeting-in-approving-an-estimated-115000-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools/)
- [Commissioner Brown Announces Preliminary Federal Data Shows Slight Decline in 2026 Marketplace Enrollment](https://csimt.gov/2026/02/02/commissioner-brown-announces-preliminary-federal-data-shows-slight-decline-in-2026marketplace-enrollment/)
- [Blue Cross Blue Shield argues state investigation should be halted](https://csimt.gov/2026/02/02/blue-cross-blue-shield-argues-state-investigation-should-be-halted/) - Jordan Hansen | Daily Montanan Blue Cross Blue Shield fought this week in Lewis and Clark County District Court to stop the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance from moving ahead with an investigation into a massive data breach, affecting more than 460,000 Montanans. Montana’s largest insurance carrier told Judge Christopher Abbott the process has
- [Brown's Office Takes Action, Urges Montanans to Prepare with Adequate Flood Coverage ](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/28/browns-office-takes-action-urges-montanans-to-prepare-with-adequate-flood-coverage/)
- [Montana is Minnesota 2.0: Insurance chief exposes NEW Obamacare fraud bust on Glenn Beck](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/27/montana-is-minnesota-2-0-insurance-chief-exposes-new-obamacare-fraud-bust-on-glenn-beck/) - BlazeTV Staff | BlazeTV In the wake of Minnesota’s massive fraud scheme busts, some states have started questioning what’s going on within their own borders. In Montana, Commissioner of Insurance and State Auditor James Brown’s curiosity spurred him to do some digging, and what he found made his jaw drop. On this episode of “The Glenn
- [James Brown Receives Key NAIC Committee Assignments for 2026, Strengthening Advocacy Ability for Montana Consumers](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/26/james-brown-receives-key-naic-committee-assignments-for-2026-strengthening-advocacy-ability-for-montana-consumers/)
- [Making Hay for Montana Schools – State Auditor James Brown announces that State Trust lands generated $80.8 million in fiscal year 2025 for education](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/26/making-hay-for-montana-schools-state-auditor-james-brown-announces-that-state-trust-lands-generated-80-8-million-in-fiscal-year-2025-for-education-2/) - As the year comes to a close, Montana State Auditor James Brown highlighted the vital role the Montana State Land Board plays in strengthening public education. Brown announced that in Fiscal Year 2025 state trust lands generated more than $80.8 million in revenue for Montana’s public schools and endowed institutions. Of that total, $73.4 million
- [Montana BCBS claims insurance commissioner targeting it because of data breach](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/23/montana-bcbs-claims-insurance-commissioner-targeting-it-because-of-data-breach/) - Darrell Ehrlick | Daily Montanan January 22, 2026 The largest health insurance company in Montana is fighting against the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance as state officials push to find out more information about the largest data breach in state history, and whether Montana Blue Cross-Blue Shield delayed notifying customers that their personal identifying information,
- [Montana exposes $54.7M Obamacare fraud scheme](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/23/montana-exposes-54-7m-obamacare-fraud-scheme/) - Staff | Glenn Beck January 20, 2026 Montana's Auditor and Commissioner of Insurance, James Brown, has just blown the lid off a shocking healthcare fraud poised o rob taxpayers of a staggering $54.7 million dollars. Fraudsters from outside Montana, using out-of-state facilities, sent recruiters to Native American reservations to target those with addiction, promising free
- [New Year, New Scams: CSI Urges Vigilance Against 2026 Investment Fraud](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/23/new-year-new-scams-csi-urges-vigilance-against-2026-investment-fraud/)
- [Montana CSI Holds Public Hearing on BCBSMT Cybersecurity Breach After Court Denies TRO](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/22/montana-csi-holds-public-hearing-on-bcbsmt-cybersecurity-breach-after-court-denies-tro/)
- [State Auditor James Brown Joins Fellow Statewide Officials at January Land Board Meeting in Approving Over $545,000 in New Revenue for Montana Schools](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/21/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-fellow-statewide-officials-at-january-land-board-meeting-in-approving-over-545000-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools/)
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Saves Montana Insurance Company and Their Customers $23.3 Million by Exposing Fraud Scheme Which Victimized Tribal Communities](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/21/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-saves-montana-insurance-company-and-their-customers-23-3-million-by-exposing-fraud-scheme-which-victimized-tribal-communities/)
- [Commissioner Brown Secures Over $160,000 in Restitution for Harmed Montana Investors Subject to Unreasonable Brokerage Commissions](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/02/commissioner-brown-secures-over-160000-in-restitution-for-harmed-montana-investors-subject-to-unreasonable-brokerage-commissions/) - #December 01, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE James Brown, the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, announced that thousands of Montana investors will receive restitution totaling more than $160,000 after several national brokerage firms agreed to settle allegations that they charged unreasonable commissions on certain small principal equity transactions. The transactions occurred between May of
- [Supreme Court Dismissal Affirms AG Knudsen and Highlights the Importance of Separation of Powers](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/02/supreme-court-dismissal-affirms-ag-knudsen-and-highlights-the-importance-of-separation-of-powers/)
- [Protecting Montanans from Bad Actors: State Auditor James Brown Delivers Restitution Checks to Montana Fraud Victims](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/02/protecting-montanans-from-bad-actors-state-auditor-james-brown-delivers-restitution-checks-to-montana-fraud-victims/)
- [Making Hay for Montana Schools – State Auditor James Brown announces that State Trust lands generated $80.8 million in fiscal year 2025 for education](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/02/making-hay-for-montana-schools-state-auditor-james-brown-announces-that-state-trust-lands-generated-80-8-million-in-fiscal-year-2025-for-education/)
- [Insurance Commissioner Urges Montanans to Review Coverage and File Claims Promptly Following Recent Storms](https://csimt.gov/2026/01/02/insurance-commissioner-urges-montanans-to-review-coverage-and-file-claims-promptly-following-recent-storms/) - December 22, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Montana Auditor and Commissioner of Insurance James Brown said his office is closely monitoring the devastating impact of flooding throughout Northwest Montana, including the impact on Libby, Troy and surrounding communities in Lincoln, Sanders and Flathead Counties, as well as on the Blackfeet Reservation. Further, Commissioner Brown is tracking the
- [Data breach puts medical info of 462,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield Montana customers at risk](https://csimt.gov/2025/11/04/data-breach-puts-medical-info-of-462000-blue-cross-blue-shield-montana-customers-at-risk/) - Carly Graf | Helena Independent Record October 22, 2025 The private medical information of more than 462,000 Montanans may have been exposed in a data breach involving a third-party vendor used by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, according to a report submitted to the state auditor’s office. Documents obtained by the Montana State News
- [Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana investigated over data breach](https://csimt.gov/2025/11/04/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-montana-investigated-over-data-breach/) - Jonathon Ambarian, John Riley | KTVH October 22, 2025 HELENA — The office of Montana State Auditor James Brown, the state's commissioner of securities and insurance, has launched an investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) following a major data breach. According to the Auditor’s Office, the breach puts the personal and medical
- [Lawsuit Filed Against Blue Cross Blue Shield Over Montana Data Breach](https://csimt.gov/2025/11/04/lawsuit-filed-against-blue-cross-blue-shield-over-montana-data-breach/) - Lauren Giella | Newsweek October 24, 2025 A class action lawsuit has been filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) over the insurer’s alleged “failure to protect sensitive personal information” of customers during a data breach. This comes as Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown on Wednesday launched
- [Massive Data Breach Exposes Information Of Montanans](https://csimt.gov/2025/11/04/massive-data-breach-exposes-information-of-montanans/) - Nick Northern | Newsbreak October 23, 2025 Massive Data Breach Exposes Personal Information Of Montanans Potentially half of all Montana residents are at risk after a data breach exposed their names, addresses, billing, and medical data. That’s according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, which is now under investigation from a third party named Lynch Carpenter. Montana Officials
- [Crypto ATM Fraud on the Rise Nationally, Prompting Montana Regulatory Push](https://csimt.gov/2025/11/04/crypto-atm-fraud-on-the-rise-nationally-prompting-montana-regulatory-push/) - Mariah Thomas | Flathead Beacon October 22, 2025 Cryptocurrency ATMs remain unregulated by the federal or state government, but one Kalispell legislator is working with the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and local law enforcement to change that magine: you’re sitting home alone, it’s late and, suddenly, your device lights up with a phone call
- [Terms of Service: AI Assistant](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/30/terms-of-service-ai-assistant/) - By using the CSI AI Agent (“Agent”), you agree and acknowledge that the Agent provides automated responses for general informational purposes only, and the Agent cannot, and does not, provide medical, professional, or legal advice, and you must independently verify all information provided by the Agent. CSI does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness
- [Commissioner James Brown Launches Formal Investigation Into Blue Cross Blue Shield Following Major Data Breach](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/27/commissioner-james-brown-launches-formal-investigation-into-blue-cross-blue-shield-following-major-data-breach/)
- [Americans are losing millions to scammers at crypto ATMs. Here's how companies profit - CNN](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/17/americans-are-losing-millions-to-scammers-at-crypto-atms-heres-how-companies-profit-cnn/) - Curt Devine, Majlie de Puy Kamp, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Casey Tolan, Kyung Lah, Amy O’Kruk, Byron Manley and Eleanor Stubbs | CNN October 14, 2025 “I'm not sure these companies really believe it's in their own monetary interest,” said James Brown, Montana’s state auditor. Full Story Below: The machine sits near the front door inside a
- [Medicare open enrollment kicks off in Montana - and plans are more expensive than ever](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/17/medicare-open-enrollment-kicks-off-in-montana-and-plans-are-more-expensive-than-ever/) - Carly Graf | The Missoulian October 17, 2025 More than 260,000 Montanans will be notified this week that it’s time to enroll in a Medicare plan for next year. When they check out their options for re-upping the government-backed health insurance for seniors, many will find that the cost of their coverage has ballooned. Some
- [James Brown & Rep. Greg Overstreet: Let ‘er buck – rodeo gets rightful recognition in Montana](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/james-brown-rep-greg-overstreet-let-er-buck-rodeo-gets-rightful-recognition-in-montana/) - Guest Column | Bozeman Daily Chronicle October 3, 2025 Last week, cowboys and cowgirls from across the Treasure State gathered in Billings for the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame dinner. At that annual event, attendees celebrated a bit of recent history: The 2025 Montana Legislature’s designation of rodeo as Montana’s official state sport. And
- [Montana Insurance Costs Are Moderate Now — But Wildfire Threats Could Change That](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-insurance-costs-are-moderate-now-but-wildfire-threats-could-change-that/) - The Realtor.com TeamSeptember 30, 2025 Montana homeowners face mid-range insurance premiums compared with the rest of the U.S. While not as high as in Gulf Coast states, costs in Montana are somewhat elevated compared to nearby states with lower climate risk. New data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Realtor.com® 2025 Climate Risk Report highlight how Montana fits into
- [State insurance auditors, including Montana’s, urged Congress to renew health insurance subsidies](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/state-insurance-auditors-including-montanas-urged-congress-to-renew-health-insurance-subsidies/) - Micah Drew | Daily MontananOctober 1, 2025 While Republicans in Washington, D.C. are opposed to extending the healthcare subsidies for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, state insurance commissioners, including Montana Auditor James Brown, a Republican, sent a letter to Congressional leaders last month urging them to continue the enhanced tax credits that began during the pandemic.
- [Crypto bill seen hindering fraud prosecutions, states warn](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/crypto-bill-seen-hindering-fraud-prosecutions-states-warn/) - Olga Kharif | BloombergOctober 3, 2025 Just as federal enforcement against digital-asset companies has dropped precipitously, state authorities are voicing concern that their ability to prosecute crypto criminals will soon be vastly diminished. Regulators from Alabama to Montana are warning that crypto market-structure legislation currently before Congress could diminish their ability to pursue wrongdoers. The
- [In Missoula County, Defendant Charged with Engaging in Conspiracy to Defraud Investors in Cryptocurrency Scheme](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/in-missoula-county-defendant-charged-with-engaging-in-conspiracy-to-defraud-investors-in-cryptocurrency-scheme/)
- [Montana Opens the Door to Digital Asset Innovation with Financial Freedom and Innovation Act](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/)
- [2025 Annual Report](https://csimt.gov/2025/10/01/2025-annual-report/) - CSI 2025 Annual Report (final) smallDownload
- [State Office Denies $21.6 Million In Unjustified Insurance Increases](https://csimt.gov/2025/09/23/of-bitcoin-atm-fraud-ai-scams-and-rising-insurance-a-conversation-with-montana-state-auditor-james-brownstate-office-denies-21-6-million-in-unjustified-insurance-increasesof-bitcoin-atm-fraud-ai-s/) - Nick Chrestenson | Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) September 17, 2025 Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Montana Auditor’s Office, also known as the “CSI”, protected tens of thousands of Montanans from unwarranted insurance premium increases by carefully reviewing and, in turn, denying unsupported insurance rate filings. During this
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Urges Congress to Protect Investment Contract Law and Pass the Support Anti-Fraud Enforcement Act](https://csimt.gov/2025/09/08/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-urges-congress-to-protect-investment-contract-law-and-pass-the-support-anti-fraud-enforcement-act/)
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Joins Call for the SEC to Investigate Delisting CCP Based Insurers](https://csimt.gov/2025/09/08/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-joins-call-for-the-sec-to-investigate-delisting-ccp-based-insurers/)
- [Bitcoin shakedown: Montana State Auditor James Brown sounds alarm on ATM scams](https://csimt.gov/2025/08/28/bitcoin-shakedown-montana-state-auditor-james-brown-sounds-alarm-on-atm-scams/) - Dan Astin | Livingston Enterprise August 21, 2025 LIVINGSTON — James Brown, Montana’s state auditor and commissioner of securities and insurance, visited Livingston and Big Timber this week and warned the public about scams involving cryptocurrency. “We are seeing a huge uptick in fraud schemes involving digital currencies in 2025,” Brown told the Livingston Enterprise on
- [Of Bitcoin ATM fraud, AI scams and rising insurance: A conversation with Montana state auditor James Brown](https://csimt.gov/2025/08/28/of-bitcoin-atm-fraud-ai-scams-and-rising-insurance-a-conversation-with-montana-state-auditor-james-brown/) - Laurenz Busch | Bozeman Daily Chronicle August 26, 2025 In January, James Brown was sworn in as the 18th Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, a high-impact but often under-appreciated role focused on protecting consumers from financial fraud. Brown’s office has swiftly addressed key challenges facing Montanans, including scams involving cryptocurrency and artificial
- [Montana state auditor warns of rise in cryptocurrency ATM scams](https://csimt.gov/2025/08/28/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-rise-in-cryptocurrency-atm-scams/) - David Jay | KTVQ Billings Photo by: KTVQ photo BILLINGS - Scams are costing Montana residents millions of dollars, according to state officials. One of the newer scams deals with cryptocurrency ATMs, which recently prompted the Billings Police Department to send out a warning, one echoed by Montana State Auditor James Brown. “They can get hard
- [Planning for the end of the PHE](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/23/planning-for-the-end-of-the-phe/) - Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids Enrollment & Redetermination Health insurance can be confusing, especially if you are transitioning from Montana Medicaid, but free, unbiased, confidential help is available. Cover Montana can help you get questions answered and get you enrolled. COVER MONTANA Cover Montana (facilitated through the Montana Primary Care Association) has partnered with
- [The Unaffordable Care Act: Rate hikes are coming](https://csimt.gov/2025/08/11/the-unaffordable-care-act-rate-hikes-are-coming/) - Montanans are about to face another steep increase in health insurance premiums — some plans may see costs rise by more than 20%. This increase will hit our small businesses, working families, and self-employed ranchers. In short, the people who need affordable health care most. The primary culprit is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Issues Statement on Anticipated Affordable Care Act Rate Increases](https://csimt.gov/2025/08/05/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-issues-statement-on-anticipated-affordable-care-act-rate-increases/)
- [State Auditor James Brown Joins Fellow Statewide Officials at July Land Board Meeting in Approving Over $1.25 Million in New Revenue for Montana Schools](https://csimt.gov/2025/07/21/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-fellow-statewide-officials-at-july-land-board-meeting-in-approving-over-1-25-million-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—Auditor James Brown joinedhis State Land Board colleagues to review and approve multiple projects benefiting the state’s trust beneficiaries and public institutions. The July Land Board meeting highlighted key initiatives generating an estimated $307,289 in revenues for the people of Montana. “Today’s actions demonstrate the Land Board’s continued commitment to smart stewardship of
- [Montana State Auditor Warns of Cryptocurrency Scams](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/26/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-cryptocurrency-scams/) - NBC MontanaPhil Howard MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana State Auditor James Brown is warning Montanans to stay cautious when investing in cryptocurrency or other digital currencies. Brown says his office received an uptick in complaints from residents who are victims of digital currency scams, which he says is due to the lack of regulations. "We're going after
- [World Elder Abuse Awareness Day](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/15/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/) - June 15 marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day — an opportunity for communities across Montana and the nation to shine a light on elder abuse and neglect. As Montana state auditor, I take financial exploitation of seniors seriously — and the numbers show why. Behind every statistic is a name, a face and a story.
- [Protecting your home amid rising insurance costs and wildfire risks](https://csimt.gov/2025/05/24/protecting-your-home-amid-rising-insurance-costs-and-wildfire-risks/) - By Montana State Auditor James Brown Montanans are facing a new reality: skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance premiums and an escalating wildfire threat. According to the National Association of Realtors, Montana may experience the fifth-highest state increase in homeowners’ insurance rates this year — a trend impacting residents statewide. Two major forces are driving higher costs. First,
- [Bitcoin shakedown: State Auditor James Brown sounds the alarm on Bitcoin ATM scams](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/03/bitcoin-shakedown-state-auditor-james-brown-sounds-the-alarm-on-bitcoin-atm-scams/) - Livingston EnterpriseDan Astin Enterprise Staff Writer James Brown, Montana’s state auditor and commissioner of securities and insurance, visited Livingston and Big Timber this week and warned the public about scams involving cryptocurrency. “We are seeing a huge uptick in fraud schemes involving digital currencies in 2025,” Brown told the Enterprise on Tuesday. His office serves
- [LIVE from Big Sky, Tackling Insurance Costs with National Leaders](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/24/live-from-big-sky-tackling-insurance-costs-with-national-leaders/) - Montana State Auditor James Brown (R-MT) served as host for insurance commissioners from all across the country in meetings that kicked off Tuesday in Big Sky. We got the chance to join Brown and other commissioners from across our region, including the President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), North Dakota's own Jon Godfread.
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Applauds $1.7 Million Approved by Montana Land Board to Support Public Schools](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/16/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-applauds-1-7-million-approved-by-montana-land-board-to-support-public-schools/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—At this month’s meeting of the Montana Land Board, an estimated $1.7 million in revenue was approved to directly support Montana’s public schools. This funding reflects the ongoing commitment of the Land Board to responsibly manage state trust lands for the benefit of Montana’s students and future generations. “The five members
- [James Brown, Montana State Auditor, Announces Multi-State Settlements with Major Broker-Dealers Over Excessive Retail Equity Commissions](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/09/james-brown-montana-state-auditor-announces-multi-state-settlements-with-major-broker-dealers-over-excessive-retail-equity-commissions/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—James Brown, Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, in coordination with securities regulators from Alabama, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, Texas, and Washington, today announced national settlements with five major broker-dealer firms—Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones), LPL Financial LLC (LPL), RBC Capital Markets, LLC (RBC), Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Announces Executive Leadership Appointments](https://csimt.gov/2025/06/02/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-announces-executive-leadership-appointments/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, MT—James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and Montana State Auditor, announced additions to the Agency’s executive leadership team, naming Kirsten Madsen as Deputy Securities Commissioner, Erin Snyder as Deputy Insurance Commissioner, and Jack Connors as Chief Legal Counsel. These appointments and previously announced leadership roles reflect Commissioner Brown’s commitment to
- [Montana State Auditor Announces Settlement for Improper Retirement Fund Distributions](https://csimt.gov/2025/05/19/montana-state-auditor-announces-settlement-for-improper-retirement-fund-distributions/) - Phil Howard | NBC Montana Montana State Auditor James Brown is announcing a settlement with Vanguard Marketing Corporation for improper retirement fund distributions. The settlement follows a multi-state investigation that started in 2021, when the investment company changed its investment strategy for its Targeted Retirement Fund. The company failed to disclose the change to investors,
- [Commissioner James Brown and the Board of Land Commissioners Approve $12 Million in New Revenue to Benefit State Schools at May Meeting](https://csimt.gov/2025/05/19/commissioner-james-brown-and-the-board-of-land-commissioners-approve-12-million-in-new-revenue-to-benefit-state-schools-at-may-meeting/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHelena, Montana – At its regular May meeting, the Montana Board of Land Commissioners approved an estimated $12 million in new revenues to support Montana’s public schools and other state trust land beneficiaries. “Today’s project approvals are a testament to the careful stewardship of Montana’s natural resources and our unwavering focus on supporting
- [Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, James Brown, Announces Settlement with Vanguard Over Target Retirement Fund Distributions](https://csimt.gov/2025/05/07/commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-james-brown-announces-settlement-with-vanguard-over-target-retirement-fund-distributions/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: David Sanders(406) 444-3778 Helena, Montana – James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and Montana State Auditor, announced a settlement with Vanguard Marketing Corporation and The Vanguard Group, Inc., resolving an investigation into large, unexpected capital gains tax distributions from Vanguard’s Target Retirement Funds in 2021. The investigation, conducted in parallel with
- [State Land Board Adopts Commissioner Brown’s Motion to Provide Advanced Notice of Water Discussions](https://csimt.gov/2025/04/21/state-land-board-adopts-commissioner-browns-motion-to-provide-advanced-notice-ofwater-discussions/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – At today’s meeting of the Montana Board of Land Commissioners, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and State Auditor James Brown introduced a motion aimed at increasing transparency and public participation in state land water rights proceedings before the Board. The motion, which passed unanimously, will require the Department of Natural
- [New Director of Government Relations Appointed at Montana State Auditor’s Office](https://csimt.gov/2025/04/21/new-director-of-government-relations-appointed-at-montana-state-auditors-office/) - Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Announces Personnel Moves FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana –The Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, is pleased to announce Mr. Trevor Graff of Helena will serve as the Director of Government Relations effective immediately. The Director of Government Relations is the agency liaison with other
- [DPHHS Aging Horizons with Commissioner James Brown and Senior Legal Counsel Mark Mattioli](https://csimt.gov/2025/03/31/dphhs-aging-horizons-with-commissioner-james-brown-and-senior-legal-counsel-mark-mattioli/)
- [Consumer Beware: Protecting Montanans from Cryptocurrency Scams](https://csimt.gov/2025/03/18/consumer-beware-protecting-montanans-from-cryptocurrency-scams/) - The Montana State Auditor’s office is dedicated to both educating Montanans and protecting them from financial scams and investment fraud. We take this responsibility seriously, as financial abuse, particularly in investments, continues to grow. In March, the FTC reported that Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a staggering 25% increase from
- [Commissioner Brown interviewed at 3 PM (MST) on NY Radio WPAT930AM.com ](https://csimt.gov/2025/03/17/commissioner-brown-interviewed-at-3-pm-mston-ny-radio-wpat930am-com/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE3/17/2025Helena, Montana—Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown was interviewed at 3 PM (MST) on NY Radio WPAT930AM.com. During the broadcast, he discussed the significance of digital assets and tokens. This live interview will reach a potential audience of 12.5 million people in New York City and surrounding areas. Commissioner Brown highlights
- [Commissioner James Brown Joins Colleagues in Support of Legislation That Would Rein in Politicized Debanking](https://csimt.gov/2025/03/07/commissioner-james-brown-joins-colleagues-in-support-of-legislation-that-would-rein-in-regulators-abilities-to-pressure-banks-into-denying-services-to-legal-but-disfavored-industries/) - 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
- [EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown is Seeking Comments on Digital Assets](https://csimt.gov/2025/02/27/extended-deadline-for-public-comment-montana-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-james-brown-is-seeking-comments-on-digital-assets/) - Due to overwhelming interest, the deadline for public commenthas been extended to March 14, 2025, by 5 PM (MST) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (“Commissioner” or “CSI”) is actively seeking comments on Digital Assets including cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Blockchain Tokens, and other related financial instruments. As digital assets become increasingly
- [Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown is Seeking Comments on Digital Assets](https://csimt.gov/2025/02/26/montana-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-james-brown-is-seeking-comments-on-digital-assets/) - Before 5 PM, Friday, February 28, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (“Commissioner” or “CSI”) is actively seeking comments on Digital Assets including cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Blockchain Tokens, and other related financial instruments. As digital assets become increasingly prevalent, establishing industry standards is critical to protecting investors from fraud and
- [Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown Urges Residents to Prepare for Flood Season](https://csimt.gov/2025/02/20/montana-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-james-brown-urges-residents-to-prepare-for-flood-season/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHelena, Montana—The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is launching a public awareness campaign to educate residents about the critical importance of flood insurance and provide essential resources for protecting property against flood damage. Flood Insurance Coverage and Eligibility The CSI emphasizes that standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover flood
- [Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown Announces Claims Process for GS Partners Customers](https://csimt.gov/2025/02/19/montana-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-james-brown-announces-claims-process-for-gs-partners-customers/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHelena, Montana—Montanans who purchased products, deposited funds, or transacted with GS Partners using platforms operated by GSB Gold Standard Corporation AG, GSB Gold Standard Pay, Ltd., and affiliated GS Partners companies may be eligible to recoup funds through a claims process. The Securities Division of the Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner
- [Romance Scams on the Rise, Warns Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown](https://csimt.gov/2025/02/13/romance-scams-on-the-rise-warns-montana-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-james-brown/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHelena, Montana—This Valentine's Day, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is urgently warning residents about the growing threat of romance scams in the state. The Rising Threat of Romance ScamsRomance scams, which involve deceptive online relationships often initiated through dating websites, apps, or social media, have become increasingly prevalent. Scammers create
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Joins $106 Million Multi-State Settlement with Vanguard over Big Tax Bills, Remediation to Investors](https://csimt.gov/2025/01/17/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-joins-106-million-multi-state-settlement-with-vanguard-overbig-tax-bills-remediation-to-investors/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana — James Brown, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, announced today that the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) has joined a task force of state securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a $106 million settlement with Vanguard Marketing Corporation
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown Joins Key National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Committees to Shape Industry Standards](https://csimt.gov/2025/01/21/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-joins-key-national-association-of-insurance-commissioners-naic-committees-to-shape-industry-standards/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Selected committees focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and the needs of Native communities Helena, Montana—James Brown, the Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, has been appointed to the following national committees by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for 2025: Property and Casualty Insurance (c) Committee: Focuses on developing
- [Montana insurance commissioner offers help to Southern California colleague in fires' aftermath](https://csimt.gov/2025/01/14/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
- [Montana State Auditor-Elect James Brown Announces Agency Senior Management Team](https://csimt.gov/2025/01/02/montana-state-auditor-elect-james-brown-announcesagency-senior-management-team/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress contact: James Brown jim@jamesbrownformontana.com or 406-925-1745 DILLON, Montana—James Brown, Montana State Auditor-Elect, announces his leadership appointments to the agency’s senior management team. On November 5, 2024, James Brown of Dillon was elected as Montana’s 18th State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. He will be sworn into office on January 6, 2025.
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Sends Offer of Assistance to California Insurance Commissioner](https://csimt.gov/2025/01/13/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-sends-offer-of-assistance-to-california-insurance-commissioner/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHelena, Montana—James Brown, the Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, sent a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara offering assistance as the California Department of Insurance deals with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that have wiped out entire communities in the greater Los Angeles area.In his letter to
- [Montana State Auditor James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Announces $17 Million Multi-State Enforcement Settlement with Edward Jones](https://csimt.gov/2025/01/09/montana-state-auditor-james-brown-commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-announces-17-million-multi-state-enforcement-settlement-with-edward-jones/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHelena, Montana—James Brown, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities & Insurance, a member of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), announced a $17 million settlement with Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones). This settlement is a result of an investigation into the broker-dealer’s supervision of customers paying front-load commissions
- [Fraud Awareness Week Webinar](https://csimt.gov/2024/11/22/fraud-awareness-week-webinar/)
- [Fraud Awareness Week: How to stay safe from potential scams](https://csimt.gov/2024/11/21/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
- [CSI Works to Improve Revocation and Surrender ProcessFor Montana Bail Bonds Professionals](https://csimt.gov/2024/10/15/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
- [Montana Insurance Department addresses repair cost denial, refutes ‘unsupported’ claims from Liberty Mutual](https://csimt.gov/2024/08/24/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
- [Commissioner Downing Announces $5 Million in Additional Payments to Montana Consumers Following State Farm’s Review of Certain Loss of Use and Third-Party Liability Claims](https://csimt.gov/2024/10/17/commissioner-downing-announces-5-million-in-additional-payments-to-montana-consumers-following-state-farms-review-of-certain-loss-of-use-and-third-party-liability-claims/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), is pleased to report that State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (State Farm) has reviewed an additional 18,000 claims after being fined $4 million in a CSI administrative action for unfair claims settlement practices. These reviews resulted in an additional $5.2
- [What is the Lynne Egan Memorial Securities Restitution Fund?](https://csimt.gov/2024/07/08/what-is-the-lynne-egan-memorial-securities-restitution-fund/)
- [Montana: 1 OF 4 States Helping Securities Fraud Victims with the CSI Restitution Fund, Honoring the Late Lynne Egan](https://csimt.gov/2024/07/08/montana-1-of-4-states-helping-securities-fraud-victims-with-the-csi-restitution-fund-honoring-the-late-lynne-egan/) - 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
- [Montana is Open for Innovation](https://csimt.gov/2024/10/08/montana-is-open-for-innovation/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), announced that the CSI has approved its first innovation waiver. The State Auditor announced that it granted the first waiver to Montana State Fund. Montana State Fund (MSF) applied for a waiver of certain regulatory requirements to facilitate implementing a program
- [CSI Enforcement Actions Podcast](https://csimt.gov/2024/09/19/csi-enforcement-actions-podcast/)
- [Wildfire Season is Here: Commissioner Downing Reminds Montanans how to Protect Property and File and Insurance Claim](https://csimt.gov/2024/07/15/wildfire-season-is-here-commissioner-downing-reminds-montanans-how-to-protect-property-and-file-and-insurance-claim/) - 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
- [Big Sky Senior Services invites FBI and other agencies to discuss elder abuse, financial exploitation](https://csimt.gov/2024/06/17/big-sky-senior-services-invites-fbi-and-other-agencies-to-discuss-elder-abuse-financial-exploitation/) - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 and Big Sky Senior Services invited multiple agencies to Billings to discuss what is being done in Montana to combat the increase being seen in with senior financial exploitation and abuse. Among the agencies were the FBI, Adult Protective Services and the Montana Commissioner of Securities and
- [Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) Seeking to Help VBIT Crypto-Mining Scam Victims](https://csimt.gov/2024/06/05/commissioner-of-securities-and-insurance-csi-seeking-to-help-vbit-crypto-mining-scam-victims/) - 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
- [In Gallatin County, Four Men Charged with Engaging in Conspiracy to Defraud Investors, Farmers, and the State of Montana](https://csimt.gov/2024/05/31/in-gallatin-county-four-men-charged-with-engaging-in-conspiracy-to-defraud-investors-farmers-and-the-state-of-montana/) - 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
- [Belgrade Plumber Receives Suspended Prison Sentence for Insurance Fraud to Begin House Arrest](https://csimt.gov/2024/05/23/belgrade-plumber-receives-suspended-prison-sentence-for-insurance-fraud-to-begin-house-arrest/) - 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
- [CARB’s Clean Air Act Authorization Request](https://csimt.gov/2024/04/12/carbs-clean-air-act-authorization-request-docket-id-number-epa-hq-oar-2023-0574/) - 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
- [Fraud schemes target older Montanans](https://csimt.gov/2024/04/02/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
- [FOR LOVE AND YOUR MONEY: ROMANCE SCAMS ON THE RISE](https://csimt.gov/2024/02/14/for-love-and-your-money-romance-scams-on-the-rise/) - 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.
- [State presents tools to help protect people from scams](https://csimt.gov/2024/04/03/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
- [1st Security President Talks Scams](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/29/1st-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
- [State works to educate public about rising threat of cybercrime across Montana](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/21/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
- [Protecting the Big Sky from scams](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/21/protecting-the-big-sky-from-scams/) - By: McKenna Holman | KRTV Click HERE to view the article. The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) office is going around Montana educating communities on what to look for in potential scam situations and who the most vulnerable targets are. “We do see that seniors are scammed out of more money oftentimes because they
- [T. Falls presentation to focus on financial scams](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/07/t-falls-presentation-to-focus-on-financial-scams/) - 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
- [State officials sound alarm on tax season, investor scams](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/19/state-officials-sound-alarm-on-tax-season-investor-scams/) - By SCOTT SHINDLEDECKERThe Western News Click HERE to view the article. Investment scams cost consumers nearly $5 billion in 2023 and in response, the state is hosting several events meant to help consumers avoid becoming victims. The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is hosting 16 investor protection events in western Montana this month, including
- [Commissioner Downing Joins 26 Other States and the SEC in $3 Million Settlement with Unregistered Crypto Program](https://csimt.gov/2024/02/07/commissioner-downing-joins-26-other-states-and-the-sec-in-3-million-settlement-withunregistered-cyrypto-program/) - TradeStation settles allegations of selling unregistered securities in crypto-interest earning program FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana, February 7, 2024–The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance joined a task force of 26 state securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to announce a $3 million settlement in principle with TradeStation Crypto, Inc. over
- [For Love or Your Money–Romance Scams on the Rise](https://csimt.gov/2024/02/13/for-love-and-your-money-romance-scams-on-rise/) - 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.
- [Protecting the Big Sky: Tour of Western Montana](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/04/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-of-western-montana/) - 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
- [Tour Defends Against Financial Scams on Montana's Elderly](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/17/tour-defends-against-financial-scams-on-montanas-elderly/) - Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - In addition to now running for Congress, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Insurance Troy Downing is continuing his tradition of traveling over the state to educate the elderly and their caregivers about how to avoid financial and other scams that have exploded over the past few years. Troy Downing
- [Precious Metals Scam–Don't let the Lepre"con" steal your pot of gold](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/05/precious-metals-scams-dont-let-the-leprecon-steal-your-pot-of-gold/) - 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
- [Guilty Verdict for Butte Bail Bondsman and Bounty Hunter](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/18/guilty-verdict-for-butte-bail-bondsman-and-bounty-hunter/) - 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
- [Butte bounty hunter found guilty of homicide](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/19/butte-bounty-hunter-found-guilty-of-homicide/) - Montana Right NowView story HERE. BUTTE, Mont. - Bondsman Jay Steven Hubber and his bounty-hunting partner, Nicholas John Jaeger, were found guilty on Thursday, March 14, 2024 for deliberate homicide and aggravated burglary. According to the release from the Office of the Montana State Auditor, William Harris died due to shots from Jaeger, a convicted
- [Fool's Gold! The Montana Precious Metals Scam](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/21/fools-gold-the-montana-precious-metals-scam/) - "Mr. and Mrs. Allen, my name is Trevor and I have been authorized to give you a special offer. Our firm, SilverCert, has just acquired a cache of uncirculated gold coins from an estate near Morocco. These finely minted coins date from the 1920s and each with a troy ounce of pure gold. While we
- [Protecting the Big Sky](https://csimt.gov/2024/03/12/protecting-the-big-sky/) - Learn to safeguard your finances in the digital age. This week, the Meagher County Community Center is reaching out to the seniors of the community to provide information on generalized resources through the Rocky Agency on Aging. However, the Community Center is not just stopping there. Instead, into next week, the center is continuing to
- [State Auditor's Office teaches Great Falls seniors how to prevent fraud](https://csimt.gov/2024/02/14/state-auditors-office-teaches-great-falls-seniors-how-to-prevent-fraud/) - 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
- [Commissioner Downing Announces Historic Settlement with State Farm Regarding Unfair Claim Settlement Practices](https://csimt.gov/2024/02/06/commissioner-downing-announces-historic-settlement-with-state-farm-regarding-unfair-claim-settlement-practices/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The parties agreed that certain auto accident claimants were inappropriately denied payment. Helena, MT, February 6, 2024—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), announced today a settlement with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (State Farm), wherein State Farm agrees to pay a $2 million fine and to be
- [2023 PBM Transparency Report Released by Commissioner Downing](https://csimt.gov/2024/01/08/2023-pbm-transparency-report-released-by-commissioner-downing/) - Helena, Mont.- In 2021, Commissioner Downing requested legislation which was introduced by Senator Hertz to oversee Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The bill became law and requires PBMs to be licensed and provide an annual transparency report to CSI. PBMs are paid by the health plan to create a formulary, which is a list of drugs that
- [Commission of Securities & Insurance partners with FBI to spread scam awareness](https://csimt.gov/2024/01/05/commission-of-securities-insurance-partners-with-fbi-to-spread-scam-awareness/) - 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
- [Forsyth woman sentenced for insurance fraud](https://csimt.gov/2024/01/05/forsyth-woman-sentenced-for-insurance-fraud/) - 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
- [$50,000 restitution check awarded to Anaconda fraud victim](https://csimt.gov/2023/12/28/50000-restitution-check-awarded-to-anaconda-fraud-victim/) - 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.
- [Commissioner Downing Moves Land Board to Approve Purchase of 328-Acre North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area](https://csimt.gov/2023/11/20/commissioner-downing-moves-land-board-to-approve-purchase-of-328-acre-north-wildcat-coulee-wildlife-management-area/) - 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
- [Butte seniors warned of phone and online scams](https://csimt.gov/2023/11/17/butte-seniors-warned-of-phone-and-online-scams/) - 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,
- [Bingo event held at Highgate Senior Living hopes to help protect elderly against scams](https://csimt.gov/2023/11/14/bingo-event-held-at-highgate-senior-living-hopes-to-help-protect-elderly-against-scams/) - 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
- [Former Billings agent ordered to pay $86K for defrauding insurance company](https://csimt.gov/2023/10/26/former-billings-agent-ordered-to-pay-86k-for-defrauding-insurance-company/) - 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
- [Billings Agent Pleads Guilty to Felony Insurance Fraud](https://csimt.gov/2023/10/25/billings-agent-pleads-guilty-to-felony-insurance-fraud/) - 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
- [REDC Facilitates Meeting for Commissioner Downing](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/30/redc-facilitates-meeting-for-commissioner-downing/) - 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
- [Havre Hears Presenation on Financial Fraud](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/25/havre-hears-presenation-on-financial-fraud/) - 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
- [Elder fraud on the rise, Commissioner says](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/23/elder-fraud-on-the-rise-commissioner-says/) - By Greg Hitchcock I The Sidney HeraldAug 23, 2023 On a tour of eastern Montana, Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) Troy Downing stopped off in Sidney to give a presentation on elder fraud in the hopes of preventing scams from ever taking place. “Seventy-five percent of fraud is against seniors,” Downing said. “And
- [Montana addresses public safety concerns with new bail bondsman regulations](https://csimt.gov/2023/09/25/montana-addresses-public-safety-concerns-with-new-bail-bondsman-regulations/) - 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
- [Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment](https://csimt.gov/2023/09/20/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment/)
- [Commissioner Troy Downing Encourages Montanans to Prepare for Fire Season](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/17/commissioner-troy-downing-encourages-montanans-to-prepare-for-fire-season/) - Helena, Mont.- Wildfire season is real and is now. It is threatening homes, businesses, and property. Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing advises Montanans to be prepared for loss due to wildfire and to take steps now to mitigate risk and protect their property. Before a Wildfire: Ensure there is defensible space around your property by trimming or
- [State's consumer protection public education tour hits Billings Monday](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/16/states-consumer-protection-public-education-tour-hits-billings-monday/) - Billings Gazette Montana State Auditor Troy Downing, who is also the state’s commissioner of securities and insurance, brings his Eastern Montana educational tour to Billings Monday, Aug. 21. Downing is inviting the public to educate investors, seniors, and consumers on safeguarding their finances. The commissioner and CSI staff are hosting 12 events across Eastern Montana
- [Commissioner Downing Prohibits Insurance Companies from Refusing to Issue Policies in Low-Risk Fire Areas](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/16/commissioner-downing-prohibits-insurance-companies-from-refusing-to-issue-policies-in-low-risk-fire-areas/) - Downing Promises Aggressive Enforcement Helena, Mont.- State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing put insurance companies on notice that CSI will aggressively pursue insurance companies that deny coverage in low-risk fire areas. An Advisory Memorandum sent to companies on August 14 states that any refusal to renew or issue policies based on wildfire
- [Commissioner Downing Adds Two Stops to the Protecting the Big Sky Tour](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/16/commissioner-downing-adds-two-stops-to-the-protecting-the-big-sky-tour/) - The whirlwind five-day, 12-stop tour of eastern Montana, just got better as Commissioner Downing announced two Coffee with the Commissioner events in Miles City and Sidney. As the Montana Securities Commissioner, Downing's top priority is stopping financial exploitation in our state. The Protecting the Big Sky Tour will educate Montanans about costly scams affecting families
- [2022—A Year in Review](https://csimt.gov/2022/12/30/2022-a-year-in-review/) - After two years as your Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, I still smile every morning when I walk into the office. I am proud of the work we do to protect consumers, educate Montanans, and serve the people of this great state. From top to bottom, I am humbled by the work ethic, knowledge,
- [How the No Surprises Act Affects the Uninsured](https://csimt.gov/2022/09/15/no-surprises-act/) - HOW THE NO SURPRISES ACT AFFECTS THE UNINSURED What is the NSA? When it comes to surprise medical bills, it’s the No Surprises Act, originally passed during the Donald Trump Administration, that took effect on January 1, 2022. The No Surprises Act (NSA) protects individuals with private health insurance from surprise medical bills. In other words,
- [Judge Approves Liquidation of Western Title and Escrow](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/04/judge-approves-liquidation-of-western-title-and-escrow/) - Helena, Mont.-Today, Commissioner Troy Downing announced that District Court Judge Leslie Halligan has ordered Western Title and Escrow (WTE) into liquidation. The order follows a 2022 ruling that placed the company, owned by Julie Leary, into receivership. Any person or company who believes they may have a claim against WTE or Julie Leary as the
- [Commissioner Downing Announces Lear Capital Investors Will Receive Compensation](https://csimt.gov/2023/08/01/commissioner-downing-announces-lear-capital-investors-will-receive-compensation/) - 163 Montanans Invested Over $3 Million Helena, Mont.- State Auditor and Securities Commissioner Troy Downing announced today that investors who purchased retail precious metals from Lear Capital are eligible for compensation as a part of Lear’s bankruptcy plan. Montana and other state regulators investigated Lear for deceptive securities and commodities activities and misleading marketing at the
- [Commissioner Downing Announces the Protecting the Big Sky Tour](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/31/commissioner-downing-announces-the-protecting-the-big-sky-tour/) - 12 Stops Through Eastern Montana August 21-25 Helena, Mont.- On August 21, Commissioner Troy Downing kicks off the Protecting the Big Sky educational tour in eastern Montana to educate investors, Montana families, seniors, and consumers on safeguarding their finances. The Commissioner and CSI staff are hosting 12 events across eastern Montana over five days. These educational
- [Staving off elder fraud scammers, one Bingo game at a time](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/28/staving-off-elder-fraud-scammers-one-bingo-game-at-a-time/) - BILLINGS - It’s a billion-dollar-a-year industry, except the only ones benefiting are criminals and Montana is no exception as our aging population is the main target. It's why there’s a massive push by the office of the Montana Commissioner of Insurance and Securities to educate Montana’s elderly about these dangers. And sometimes all it takes
- [Owner of Forsyth insurance company charged in scheme to defraud customers](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/25/owner-of-forsyth-insurance-company-charged-in-scheme-to-defraud-customers/) - Forsyth woman accused of defrauding customers through her insurance company, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., by spending client payments on personal expenses appeared in federal court on charges Monday. Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with six counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft, said U.S.
- [Forsyth woman pleads not guilty to federal charges related to insurance fraud](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/25/forsyth-woman-pleads-not-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-insurance-fraud/) - By: MTN News BILLINGS - A Forsyth woman pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges that she defrauded customers through her insurance brokerage, Rosebud County Insurance, Inc., and stole customers' identities, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, was charged with six counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated
- [Montana insurance agent arrested by FBI, faces possible criminal charges](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/24/montana-insurance-agent-arrested-by-fbi-faces-possible-criminal-charges/) - By: Kelsey Merison BILLINGS - Kileen Hagadone of Forsyth was taken into FBI custody on Friday morning before being booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Facility in Billings. One week prior, Hagadone was permanently barred from practicing insurance-related business in the state of Montana following an investigation into criminal allegations. The Yellowstone County Detention Facility (YCDF) told MTN News
- [Forsyth insurance-fraud victim demands consequences for disgraced broker](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/21/forsyth-insurance-fraud-victim-demands-consequences-for-disgraced-broker/) - By: Kelsey Merison FORSYTH — Rosebud County Insurance agent Kileen Hagadone has been permanently barred from conducting insurance business in Montana after a judge's ruling last week. But the impact of her alleged criminal activity is still being uncovered, and one of her former customers is speaking out. “I always thought (Kileen) was a really exceptional
- [Forsyth insurance broker loses license following investigation of misappropriations](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/20/forsyth-insurance-broker-loses-license-following-investigation-of-misappropriations/) - Insurance commissioner says he obtained court order A Forsyth insurance broker has permanently lost her license after complaints surfaced that she was accepting premium payments but not purchasing insurance policies. Montana Insurance Commissioners Troy Downing announced Wednesday that he had secured a court order on July 12 permanently barring Kileen Hagadone and her business, Rosebud
- [Montanans to share payout after Raymond James settlement](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/20/montanans-to-share-payout-after-raymond-james-settlement/) - HELENA, Mont. — Hundreds of Montanans will see money from a multimillion-dollar settlement with a major finance company. The $13 million agreement with Raymond James Financial comes after several states, including Montana, launched an investigation into charges for commissions. Officials discovered the company charged what they call unreasonable commissions on small-dollar transactions. Here in Montana, 260
- [Commissioner Troy Downing Obtains Court Order Prohibiting Kileen Hagadone from Conducting Insurance Business](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/19/commissioner-troy-downing-obtains-court-order-prohibiting-kileen-hagadone-from-conducting-insurance-business/) - Rosebud County Insurance and Hagadone’s License Revoked Helena, Mont.-On July 12, 2023, Commissioner Troy Downing secured an Order of Final Injunction permanently barring Kileen Hagadone and her business, Rosebud County Insurance, Inc. (RCII), from conducting any type of insurance business in Montana. The Order of Final Injunction further prohibits Hagadone and RCII from any banking
- [Commissioner Downing Announces $13 Million Settlement Against Raymond James Financial](https://csimt.gov/2023/07/18/commissioner-downing-announces-13-million-settlement-against-raymond-james-financial/) - Helena, Mont.-Today, State Auditor and Securities Commissioner Troy Downing announced a $13 million settlement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., resulting from an investigation into the company's practices of charging unreasonable commissions to retail customers on small-dollar transactions. The multi-state investigation, spearheaded by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and
- [Elder abuse often involves scams and fraud](https://csimt.gov/2023/06/29/elder-abuse-often-involves-scams-and-fraud/) - By BERL TISKUSReporter | June 22, 2023 12:00 AM Financial scams and fraud are the most common forms of elder abuse according to Troy Downing, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. He was in Polson last week, along with representatives from Elder Protective Services, staffers from Downing’s office, Jake Santee from Sen. Steve Daines’
- [Governor Gianforte Signs HB836 Paving Way for Innovative Insurance Products](https://csimt.gov/2023/05/25/governor-gianforte-signs-hb836-paving-way-for-innovative-insurance-products/) - ‘Regulatory Sandbox’ Allows Insurers to Offer New Products or Services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ethan Heverlyeheverly@safemt.gov or (406) 544-8287 HELENA, MT—Montana State Fund (MSF), the state’s largest and leading workers’ compensation insurance company, announced the signing of House Bill 836 (Rep. K. Zolnikov—Billings) on Wednesday. HB836, creates a ‘regulatory sandbox’ in which property and casualty
- [Response to May 26th Opinion Editorial regarding House Bill 62](https://csimt.gov/2023/05/30/response-to-may-26th-opinion-editorial-regarding-house-bill-62/) - An Opinion Editorial by Commissioner Troy Downing In response to John Looney’s May 26 Opinion Editorial regarding House Bill 62: The CSI appreciates all the collaboration and input we received from industry, law enforcement, and stakeholders when drafting House Bill 62. The intent of HB62 was to put reasonable sideboards on fugitive recovery agents −
- [Tort Reform Lowers Costs on Small Businesses](https://csimt.gov/2023/05/24/tort-reform-lowers-costs-on-small-businesses/) - An Opinion Editorial by Commissioner Troy Downing As the Montana Insurance Commissioner, I am often asked about high premiums in certain lines of insurance. One example is rising premiums in wildfire risk areas. This makes intuitive sense − if the risk of fire and loss is higher, the premium increases to ensure the insurance
- [Commissioner Troy Downing's Bill Reining in Bounty Hunters Signed into Law](https://csimt.gov/2023/05/22/commissioner-troy-downings-bill-reining-in-bounty-hunters-signed-into-law/) - Helena, Mont.- Following a string of high-profile crimes committed by bounty hunters in Montana, Commissioner Troy Downing's legislation to protect Montanans by putting sideboards around fugitive recovery agents is now law. House Bill 62, carried by Representative Bill Mercer (R-Billings), creates standards and qualifications for bounty hunters requiring them to license as surety insurance producers. "Bounty
- [Governor signs bounty hunt bill prompted in part by fatal Butte incident](https://csimt.gov/2023/05/22/governor-signs-bounty-hunt-bill-prompted-in-part-by-fatal-butte-incident/) - Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed legislation designed to curb reckless and dangerous bounty-hunting tactics in Montana that was drafted after a series of violent apprehensions, including one in Butte that led to homicide charges. Republican Troy Downing, the state’s auditor and commissioner of Securities and Insurance, proposed House Bill 62, and it was sponsored by
- [Commissioner Troy Downing Warns of Phishing Scam](https://csimt.gov/2023/05/01/commissioner-troy-downing-warns-of-phishing-scam/) - Scam Affecting Senior Citizens in Montana Helena, Mont.- Commissioner Troy Downing released the following statement regarding a phishing scam affecting senior citizens in Montana: “In the past five days, CSI's Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) received multiple complaints regarding a phishing and cryptocurrency scam targeting senior citizens in the Bozeman area. The victims receive a pop-up
- [Commissioner Troy Downing's Cabin Site Sale Bill Signed into Law](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/26/commissioner-troy-downings-cabin-site-sale-bill-signed-into-law/) - SB49 Facilitates Competitive Bidding in Cabin Site Sales Helena, Mont.- On Monday, Senate Bill 49, sponsored by Commissioner Troy Downing and carried by Senator Mike Cuffe was signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte. This bill revises the sale of cabin sites on state trust lands to facilitate competitive bidding. "As a member of the
- [Insurance may not cover a hail damaged roof](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/25/insurance-may-not-cover-a-hail-damaged-roof/) - By Troy Downing When it comes to insuring your home it is important to know there is a significant difference between “Replacement Cost” and “Actual Cash Value” coverage. We’ll get to that shortly. You can’t watch TV without seeing an insurance commercial. Whether it’s Progressive’s Flo, Allstate’s Mayhem, or Jake from State Farm, there is a
- [NASAA Highlights Top Investor Threats for 2023](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/20/nasaa-highlights-top-investor-threats-for-2023/) - NASAA NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NASAA Highlights Top Investor Threats for 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) today released its annual list of top threats to retail investors. This year, the most critical threats include financial scams tied to emerging technologies, marketing tactics designed to play on emotions, and further
- ['A total shock': Forsyth insurance broker under scrutiny following accusations of questionable practices](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/20/a-total-shock-forsyth-insurance-broker-under-scrutiny-following-accusations-of-questionable-practices/) - FORSYTH — When you pay your insurance premium, you shouldn't have to worry about whether you're covered. But in Forsyth, many are finding they actually aren't covered, even after paying their premiums in full. Kileen Hagadone, a Forsyth woman, had her insurance producer license temporarily suspended by Montana State Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing on April 6. Her
- [Prosecutors want Butte homicide defendants tried together](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/18/prosecutors-want-butte-homicide-defendants-tried-together/) - By Mike SmithMontana Standard A second homicide trial stemming from a bounty hunt that turned fatal in Butte has been postponed and prosecutors now want to try both defendants at the same time. Prosecutors have charged Nicholas John Jaeger and bondsman Jay Steven Hubber, both 34, with deliberate homicide and aggravated burglary, saying their reckless
- [Bounty hunting bill advances in Montana Legislature](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/17/bounty-hunting-bill-advances-in-montana-legislature/) - By: Mike SmithMontana Standard A bill designed to curb reckless and dangerous bounty-hunting tactics in Montana has advanced to the state Senate and backers say it’s likely to pass in the coming days. It passed the House on an 83-17 vote in late January, was endorsed by the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs on
- [Rosebud insurance agent's license suspended by Commissioner Downing](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/07/rosebud-insurance-agents-license-suspended-by-commissioner-downing/) - Commissioner Troy Downing has suspended the insurance producer licenses of Kileen Moria Hadagone (License #106679) and Rosebud County Insurance Inc. (RCII). Downing is the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Montana State Auditor (CSI). The licenses were suspended after it was determined that public safety and welfare required immediate emergency action, said a press release.
- [Commissioner Troy Downing Joins $10 Million Multi-State Settlement With Robinhood](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/06/commissioner-troy-downing-joins-10-million-multi-state-settlement-with-robinhood/) - Robinhood Financial Failed Montana Investors Helena, Mont.- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing announced today that CSI joined a multi-state settlement with Robinhood Financial LLC. As part of the settlement, Robinhood agreed to pay $10.2 million in penalties for operational and technical failures that harmed Montana investors. The settlement stems from an investigation spearheaded
- [Citing Public Safety, Commissioner Troy Downing Immediately Suspends Montana Insurance Agent’s License](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/06/citing-public-safety-commissioner-troy-downing-immediately-suspends-montana-insurance-agents-license/) - Helena, Mont.- Today, Troy Downing - The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Montana State Auditor (CSI) suspended the insurance producer licenses of Kileen Moria Hagadone (License #106679) and Rosebud County Insurance, Inc (RCII) (License #100101036). The Commissioner has determined public safety and welfare requires this immediate emergency action. The Commissioner is also pursuing permanent revocation
- [Montana Commissioner of Securities Joins Other State Regulators to Stop Fraudulent Artificial Intelligence Scheme](https://csimt.gov/2023/04/04/montana-commissioner-of-securities-joins-other-state-regulators-to-stop-fraudulent-artificial-intelligence-investment-scheme/) - Bad actors are now promoting investment scams that leverage widespread interest in AI FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – Earlier today, the Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance joined the Texas State Securities Board and the Alabama Securities Commission in filing enforcement actions to stop a fraudulent artificial intelligence investment scheme. The
- [Commissioner Downing discusses goals for 2023](https://csimt.gov/2023/03/23/commissioner-downing-discusses-goals-for-2023/) - WILL BRIGGS ReporterLewistown News-Argus Though he has just one job title, Troy Downing wears a lot of hats in his role as Montana’s Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. Aside from his role in financial and insurance regulation, Downing is one of five people to sit on the state’s Land Board and serves as the state
- [Troy Downing: Are you ready for another flood season?](https://csimt.gov/2023/03/21/troy-downing-are-you-ready-for-another-flood-season/) - My team and I were on the ground in eastern Montana helping families work with their insurance companies to rebuild immediately following the devastating flooding of 2022. Meeting at the civic center in Red Lodge with hundreds of Montanans, we learned the true extent of the damage and devastation families faced. As we drove down
- [Is Your Contractor Properly Insured](https://csimt.gov/2023/03/09/is-your-contractor-properly-insured/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8BEqtl0K2M
- [Are You Ready for Another Flood Season?](https://csimt.gov/2023/03/15/are-you-ready-for-another-flood-season/) - An Opinion Editorial by Commissioner Troy Downing My team and I were on the ground in eastern Montana helping families work with their insurance companies to rebuild immediately following the devastating flooding of 2022. Meeting at the civic center in Red Lodge with hundreds of Montanans, we learned the true extent of the damage and
- [Bill would reform state cabin site sales](https://csimt.gov/2023/03/13/bill-would-reform-state-cabin-site-sales/) - A bill backed by Montana’s state auditor would reform the sale of state land cabin sites in an effort to encourage more competitive bidding and higher revenues. State Auditor Troy Downing has been a dissenting voice on cabin site sales as a member of the Montana State Board of Land Commissioners since he took office
- [Preparing for Flooding](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/24/preparing-for-flooding/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq-nsbPvJeM
- [Ponzi Day: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul](https://csimt.gov/2023/03/03/ponzi-day-robbing-peter-to-pay-paul/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ33S6kpwyg
- [Flood Insurance: Assessing Your Risks](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/21/flood-insurance-assessing-your-risks/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZHsy5lPHEY
- [Montana Commissioner Downing pushes for flood insurance](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/18/montana-commissioner-downing-pushes-for-flood-insurance/) - https://youtu.be/0YR9gUAJNHM
- [Embroiled South Philadelphia cryptocurrency company facing crackdown from Montana financial regulators](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/18/embroiled-south-philadelphia-cryptocurrency-company-facing-crackdown-from-montana-financial-regulators/) - The Washington Avenue company has 15 days to comply with regulators’ demands. by Jesse Bunch The Inquirer VBit Technologies, the South Philadelphia-based cryptocurrency mining company accused in mounting lawsuits of running a Ponzi scheme, is facing a crackdown from regulators in Montana, where it operated a data center. The company, which was headquartered on
- [Regulators accuse Columbia Falls crypto mine of fraud, financial crimes](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/15/regulators-accuse-columbia-falls-crypto-mine-of-fraud-financial-crimes/) - By ADRIAN KNOWLERDaily Inter Lake State Auditor Troy Downing has demanded answers from a cryptocurrency company with a bitcoin mining center in Columbia Falls accused of operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. VBit Technologies is accused of selling unregistered securities, committing fraud and operating an unregistered multilevel marketing company in documents served by Downing’s office. Downing
- [Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST)](https://csimt.gov/2022/07/08/financial-abuse-specialist-team-fast/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uoenuyr5MM
- [Filing an Accurate Claim After a Wildfire](https://csimt.gov/2022/08/29/filing-an-accurate-claim-after-a-wildfire/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHwTCnjpo0w
- [Romance Scams](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/14/romance-scams/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TFUDJCk8-M
- [Insurance Guaranty Associations](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/03/insurance-guaranty-associations/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrwLXlfXirs
- [Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage](https://csimt.gov/2022/05/03/understanding-underinsured-motorist-coverage-2/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTRSMAPSObM
- [No Surprises Act: Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills](https://csimt.gov/2022/04/26/no-surprises-act-protecting-patients-from-surprise-medical-bills/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUR33g_-Ljw
- [No Surprises Act](https://csimt.gov/2022/11/04/no-surprises-act-2/) - Beginning January 1, physicians, hospitals, and air ambulances will no longer be able to “balance bill” patients for certain care outside of their insurance company’s network. Surprise billing occurs when a patient receives care from a healthcare provider, often but not always in an emergency situation, outside of the patient’s current health plan network. In other
- [What is the Difference Between Multi-level Marking Companies and Pyramid Schemes?](https://csimt.gov/2021/11/19/what-is-the-difference-between-multi-level-marking-companies-and-pyramid-schemes/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDaTe7O-M3Y
- [Cryptocurrency: The Collapse of FTX and the Future of Cryto](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/10/cryptocurrency-the-collapse-of-ftx-and-the-future-of-cryto/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piAUr7fL1F4
- [Wildfire Rating and Access to Insurance Products](https://csimt.gov/2022/08/09/wildfire-rating-and-access-to-insurance-products/) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqTp0GBf6laI6VgPZhl4q_ngCplcTm7vH
- [Securities Examinations: What to Expect and How to Prepare](https://csimt.gov/2021/10/08/securities-examinations-what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC36Jf8k_1o&t=1s
- [Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage](https://csimt.gov/2022/05/03/understanding-underinsured-motorist-coverage/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTRSMAPSObM
- [Long Term Care Insurance Plans](https://csimt.gov/2022/04/14/long-term-care-insurance-plans/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8zddRyE4Dw
- [Captive Insurance](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/03/captive-insurance/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PatqrjXumQ
- [Lawsuits dog company with Bitcoin servers in Columbia Falls](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/09/lawsuits-dog-company-with-bitcoin-servers-in-columbia-falls/) - By ADRIAN KNOWLER For The Hungry Horse News A cryptocurrency company with a bitcoin mining center in Columbia Falls is facing multiple class-action lawsuits alleging that it defrauded millions of dollars from thousands of investors in a “massive Ponzi scheme.” Class-action lawsuits alleging racketeering and securities fraud violations have been filed in Delaware and Pennsylvania
- [A Win for Public Land Access, Hunters, and Agriculture](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/17/a-win-for-public-land-access-hunters-and-agriculture/) - In 2019, WWII veteran Forrest Allen passed away, bequeathing 5,677 acres in Golden Valley County to the Shodair Children’s Hospital. Today, as a member of the Board of Land Commissioners, I was proud to vote in favor of purchasing this land for public use. The purchase, known as the Snowy Mountain Acquisition, is a win
- [Should Kim Kardashian Be Your Financial Advisor?](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/13/should-kim-kardashian-be-your-financial-advisor/) - By Commissioner Troy Downing Are social media denizens tricking you into making bad investment decisions where you lose, and they win? Social media influencers aren’t just dancing on TikTok or recording themselves playing video games. The rise of the unlicensed online “expert” sharing tips on investing, trading cryptocurrency, or how to get rich quick is
- [Funding the American Dream](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/01/funding-the-american-dream/) - By Commissioner Troy Downing There is a lot of confusion about when an investment in a company becomes a “security” and what the legal requirements are once it does. If you and a friend or family member join forces to start a business, and you both invest money into that business, and you both have
- [Bail or Jail? Montana’s Wild West](https://csimt.gov/2022/05/24/bail-or-jail-montanas-wild-west/) - Montana’s Wild West is alive and well as a rogue subset of bounty hunters who commit crimes and abuses against defendants on bail, their families, and the public. State law gives bondsmen unrestrained arrest powers leading some to employ dangerous tactics that threaten public safety and infringe on defendants’ rights. There is a clear need
- [Underinsured Homeowners Are At-Risk](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/11/underinsured-homeowners-are-at-risk/) - Your home may be underinsured, leaving you stuck paying tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs following loss or damage. Inflation, labor shortages, rising costs of building materials, and the supply chain breakdown may have contributed to large increases in the replacement cost of your home. Recently, the Marshall Fire in Colorado
- [Winter is Coming](https://csimt.gov/2021/10/19/winter-is-coming/) - “Winter is coming. This is the harbinger of holidays, celebrations, sledding, skiing, and, unfortunately, slick winter roads. Driving down a highway on a snowy day, we often see cars and trucks that have run off the road, slid into a ditch, or worse. My first thought is “I hope nobody was hurt” and my second
- [Vaccine Mandates](https://csimt.gov/2021/09/07/vaccine-mandates/) - “There has been a drastic spike in Covid-19 cases across Montana. This increase is gaining momentum and is also happening across the Nation. Hospital beds are filling up, Healthcare Workers are being taxed and exhausted, and we are seeing an unfortunate rise in preventable deaths. This is Commissioner Troy Downing urging you to get vaccinated.
- [Flooding After Wildfire](https://csimt.gov/2021/08/23/flooding-after-wildfire/) - “Rain across the State gives us a glimmer of hope that fire season is coming to an end and fall is quickly approaching. Wildfires may be dying down, but there is still risk of property damage due to severe flooding after wildfires. Wildfires can dramatically decrease the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall. As a result,
- [Unrepaired Damage in Buy/Sell Agreements](https://csimt.gov/2021/08/11/unrepaired-damage-in-buy-sell-agreements/) - “Billings was recently ranked #1 as the fastest emerging housing market in the Nation. Last year home prices surged an average of 32%. This trend in rising housing costs is happening across the State, showing little sign of slowing. The competitive environment in the real estate market has increased pressure on quick closings. This pressure
- [Peer-to-Peer Car Rental](https://csimt.gov/2021/08/04/peer-to-peer-car-rental/) - “We are seeing a Nationwide car rental shortage that is driving up prices and pushing down availability. The simple laws of supply and demand are coming into play, and as always, necessity is the mother of invention. This is Commissioner Troy Downing. The high costs and low availability of rental cars have led to increased
- [Rising Incidents of Insurance After the Fact](https://csimt.gov/2021/07/27/rising-incidents-of-insurance-after-the-fact/) - “Montana is experiencing an increasing trend in insurance fraud that is costing all of us by contributing to rising auto insurance rates. It’s called “insurance after the fact.” This is Insurance Commissioner and Montana State Auditor Troy Downing. Insurance after the fact occurs when a driver suffers loss or damage to their vehicle while it
- [Volunteer Firefighter Donation Drive](https://csimt.gov/2021/07/23/volunteer-firefighter-donation-drive/) - “Wildfire danger is at “extreme” levels. Governor Gianforte has declared a Statewide fire emergency. Firefighters have battled 1,400 wildfires that burned over 141,000 acres as of this week. This intense activity strains local, State, and federal resources, including Montana’s volunteer fire departments. This is Commissioner Troy Downing. This week, our agency is hosting a donation
- [Vaccination Laws](https://csimt.gov/2021/07/09/vaccination-laws/) - “The pandemic that cost so many jobs, time with friends, time with family, and peace of mind is beginning to wane. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) now states that those who are fully vaccinated may choose to go maskless, reduce social distancing, and return to their normal, everyday lives. But, let’s not lose sight
- [July 4th Wildfire Risks](https://csimt.gov/2021/07/02/july-4th-wildfire-risks/) - “Independence Day Weekend is ahead of us, which means many Montanans will be utilizing our expansive public lands to camp, hike, fish, and recreate. This is Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing. Over the long and unusually warm weekend, please remember that our State is at critical risk of wildfires. Campfires and fireworks should be used with
- [Wildfires](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/21/wildfires/) - “Montana is expecting an above-normal fire season. High temperatures, drought, and heavy fuel loads in our forests are critical factors in the unseasonably large number of fires we’ve experienced over the last few weeks. The fires have already led to evacuations and destroyed homes in parts of the State. This is Commissioner Troy Downing. Now
- [Replacement Costs](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/14/replacement-costs/) - “This is Commissioner Troy Downing. Lumber prices are at all-time highs. Consumer prices surged 5% last month, the fastest in over a decade. Everything is getting more expensive, but few Montanans know this means your insurance coverage may not meet the replacement costs following a loss. Most commercial and many homeowners policies include a clause
- [Poor Quality Health Plans](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/08/poor-quality-health-plans/) - "Unlicensed and untrained agents using high-pressure sales techniques and intentionally misleading information are selling poor-quality health plans to Montanans. This is Commissioner of Insurance Troy Downing. Purchasing a health plan that provides little to no coverage can lead to devastating financial outcomes should a major medical event arise. Remember to always vet anyone trying to
- [PSA Senior Financial Exploitation](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/17/psa-senior-financial-exploitation/) - 75% of the securities fraud cases our agency investigates involve a person who is 65 years or older. This is Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing. It’s estimated Montana seniors have lost over $1 billion to securities fraud and scams in just the last four years. You can help us fight back against fraud
- [Multi-Level Marketing Companies](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/11/multi-level-marketing-companies/) - Dozens of multi-level marketing companies operate in our State, but only around ten are properly filed with our agency. To simplify, a multi-level marketing company or MLM is a company where you sell products to a network of customers who also sell to their own customers. You get compensated with a part of each sale
- [Get Vaccinated](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/05/get-vaccinated/) - “COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and the right thing to do. This is Troy Downing, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, the Montana State Auditor. Last week, I received my first COVID-19 vaccination. I’m asking you to join me in getting vaccinated – a positive step to get our lives and Montana’s economy back to normal!
- [Comparative Negligence](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/28/comparative-negligence/) - “This is Commissioner Troy Downing. Have you ever been the victim of an automobile accident and had the other driver’s insurance company partially blame you for the accident and require you to pay part of the claim? Assigning liability levels to two or more parties involved in a traffic accident is called Comparative Negligence or
- [MLM Enforcement and Pyramid Schemes](https://csimt.gov/2021/10/06/mlm-enforcement-and-pyramid-schemes/) - “Five months ago, our agency put multi-level marketing companies (or MLMs) on notice that we will be taking enforcement action against those not following Montana law. Under our law, MLMs are required to be registered. This allows us to ensure these companies are not acting as illegal pyramid schemes and defrauding Montanans. A pyramid scheme
- [Elder Exploitation](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/28/elder-exploitation/) - “This is Commissioner Downing. In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, our agency is sponsoring a legislative study bill to better understand the extent of elder exploitation in our state and what can be done through education and statute to curb this growing issue. What we already know is that elder exploitation is
- [House Bill 379](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/28/house-bill-379/) - APRIL 28, 2021 “This is Commissioner Troy Downing. Last week, Governor Gianforte signed multiple pieces of legislation sponsored by our agency into law. Among them was House bill 379, allowing insurance companies to use gender and marital status when pricing policies. Since 1985, Montana was the only state in the Nation that prohibited this practice
- [Covid Test Requirement](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/19/covid-test-requirement/) - The Biden Administration is requiring private health plans and insurance companies to reimburse their members for the cost of over-the-counter rapid COVID tests. This new requirement means individuals with private health insurance can submit a claim to their insurance company for FDA-approved tests purchased by the member for at-home use. Due to the limited supply
- [Bail Bonds bill clears House; Butte's Ryan Lynch likes its chance in the Senate](https://csimt.gov/2023/02/06/bail-bonds-bill-clears-house-buttes-ryan-lynch-likes-its-chance-in-the-senate/) - A bill designed to rein in rogue bail bond agents and “Wild West” tactics sometimes used to capture fugitives has passed the Montana House and is now before the Senate, where state Sen. Ryan Lynch likes its chances. “I think the Senate will see the same wisdom in it that the House did,” the Butte
- [Commissioner Troy Downing Applauds Jail Time for Insurance Fraudster](https://csimt.gov/2023/01/26/commissioner-troy-downing-applauds-jail-time-for-insurance-fraudster/) - Mark Anthony Biegler Sentenced to Jail and Ordered to Pay Restitution Helena, Mont.- Commissioner Troy Downing announced today that former insurance agent Mark Anthony Biegler has been sentenced in the First Judicial District Court of Lewis and Clark County to 90 days in jail, a 10-year suspended prison sentence, and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution
- [Ex-insurance agent gets jail, must pay restitution, for insurance fraud and theft](https://csimt.gov/2023/01/26/ex-insurance-agent-gets-jail-must-pay-restitution-for-insurance-fraud-and-theft/) - Former insurance agent Mark Anthony Biegler was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in jail with a 10-year suspended prison sentence for pleading guilty to six felony charges of insurance fraud and theft in 1st Judicial District Court of Lewis and Clark County, state officials said. He was ordered by Judge Michael Menahan to pay $150,000
- [Man Charged in Connection With Nov. 24 Bounty Hunter Incident](https://csimt.gov/2023/01/09/man-charged-in-connection-with-nov-24-bounty-hunter-incident/) - https://theelectricgf.com/2023/01/02/man-charged-in-connection-with-nov-24-bounty-hunter-incident/
- [Commissioner Downing Announces $424,500 Settlement with Cryptocurrency Company Nexo Capital](https://csimt.gov/2023/01/19/commissioner-downing-announces-424500-settlement-with-cryptocurrency-company-nexo-capital/) - CSI Seeking to Identify Montana Investors in Interest-Bearing Crypto Accounts Helena, Mont.- Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing announced today that a settlement in principle has been reached between Nexo Capital, Inc. (Nexo), the SEC, and state regulators around the country. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Nexo will pay a fine of approximately $22.5
- [Botched bounty hunt in Butte 'tipping point' to bail bond bill in Legislature](https://csimt.gov/2023/01/23/botched-bounty-hunt-in-butte-tipping-point-to-bail-bond-bill-in-legislature/) - In response to a bounty hunt that turned tragically fatal in Butte and other incidents, a state official wants lawmakers to rein in rogue bail bond agents and “Wild West” tactics sometimes used to nab fugitives. Troy Downing, Montana’s auditor and commissioner of Securities and Insurance, is pushing a bill that would require all bail
- [MT Commissioner of Securities & Insurance approves Metals.com restitution payments](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/02/mt-commissioner-of-securities-insurance-approves-metals-com-restitution-payments/) - By: MTN News Click HERE to view the entire article. HELENA — The Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance has approved over $340,000 in restitution payments to victims of Metals.com. The victims, ranging in age from 60 to 77, received payments of $14,676 to $50,000. “Victims of securities fraud are often
- [History up in flames: Denton has lost its skyline](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/20/history-up-in-flames-denton-has-lost-its-skyline/) - DENTON, MT- Right now, the race is on to get resources to a small town of Denton Montana is on. The small farming community north of Stanford along Montana State Highway 81 was destroyed by fires. Play Video Governor Greg Gianforte will be on the ground in Denton to receive an incident command briefing on
- [House Labor Committee hears whistleblower bill](https://csimt.gov/2021/01/12/house-labor-committee-hears-whistleblower-bill/) - BY JAMES BRADLEY (LEGISLATIVE NEWS SERVICE) REP. RON MARSHALL, R-HAMILTON, READS HOUSE BILL 64. IF PASSED, WHISTLEBLOWERS COULD RECEIVE UP TO 30% OF ALL FINES AND FEES ASSOCIATED WITH A FRAUD CASE AGAINST THEIR COMPANY. (JAMES BRADLEY/ UM LEGISLATIVE NEWS SERVICE) HELENA – Members of the House Business and Labor Committee heard testimony Monday about
- [Montana Lawmaker Introduces Direct Patient Care Bill](https://csimt.gov/2021/01/25/montana-lawmaker-introduces-direct-patient-care-bill/) - By KEVIN TREVELLYAN • JAN 21, 2021 A Montana state lawmaker today introduced a bill that would formalize a patient’s ability to directly pay a doctor for care without insurance. Similar bills have been vetoed in the past. Republican Sen. Cary Smith of Billings told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee that direct patient care lowers
- [Judge: Defense attorney to pay costs of mistrial](https://csimt.gov/2021/02/08/judge-defense-attorney-to-pay-costs-of-mistrial/) - Seaborn Larson A defense attorney from Missoula is on the hook for all the costs of a nine-day trial in Libby after the state district court judge ruled the attorney had intentionally caused delays that led to a mistrial. Lincoln County District Court Judge Matthew Cuffe issued the order Friday, the ninth and last day
- [Helena Man Charged with Nine Felony Counts for Criminal Insurance Fraud and Theft of Premium](https://csimt.gov/2021/02/10/helena-man-charged-with-nine-felony-counts-for-criminal-insurance-fraud-and-theft-of-premium/) - The Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance has filed criminal charges against Mark Anthony Biegler, alleging four counts of criminal insurance fraud and five counts of theft of insurance premiums. All nine counts are felonies. Each felony count carries a potential penalty of a fine not to exceed $50,000 or imprisonment in the
- [Man charged with insurance fraud did business in Kalispell](https://csimt.gov/2021/02/11/man-charged-with-insurance-fraud-did-business-in-kalispell/) - Daily Inter Lake The Montana Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance has filed criminal charges against Mark Anthony Biegler, alleging four counts of criminal insurance fraud and five counts of theft of insurance premium. Biegler is alleged to have committed insurance fraud and theft of premium against Montana businesses in Fairfield, Whitehall, Helena,
- [Bill to regulate pharmacy benefit managers backed by auditor](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/07/bill-to-regulate-pharmacy-benefit-managers-backed-by-auditor/) - Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the state insurance regulator says paves the way, Montana is proposing to regulate pharmacy benefit managers in an attempt to lower prescription drug prices. The legislation was developed with direction from the state auditor, a broad range of stakeholders and legislators. Senate Bill 395 is carried by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson.
- [“Obamacare” health-insurance policies now offering expanded subsidies](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/07/obamacare-health-insurance-policies-now-offering-expanded-subsidies/) - Thousands of Montanans who buy individual health insurance on the “Obamacare” marketplace – and some who don’t, but can now – are likely eligible for lower pricing of their coverage, insurance and health officials say. Starting Thursday, anyone with an Obamacare policy – about 45,000 Montanans – can re-submit their personal information to see if
- [Not Authorized to Operate in the US](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/07/not-authorized-to-operate-in-the-us/) - The project is based in the Philippines and is not licensed to operate in the United States. Though the scheme highlights having ‘zero risk’, the website clearly projects its pyramid structure. Additionally, Forsage was flagged earlier in its home country for being a pyramid scheme and issued a warning to the local investors. “Every investment carries risk,”
- [US State Issues Cease and Desist Order against DApp Forsage](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/07/us-state-issues-cease-and-desist-order-against-dapp-forsage/) - The US state of Montana has issued a cease and desist order against Ethereum-based investment scheme Forsage, calling it a Pyramid scheme. In the order issued last week, the state regulator said that it has received multiple complaints from the state residents about the scheme, which is violating the Montana Securities Act. Forsage, which runs as
- [Montana regulator issues cease and desist order against Forsage scam](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/07/montana-regulator-issues-cease-and-desist-order-against-forsage-scam/) - The Montana state securities regulator has issued a cease and desist order against an alleged digital currency pyramid scheme. Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), Montana State Auditor Troy Downing said the scam has been operating from the Philippines but targeting U.S. residents. The state regulator has received multiple complaints from Montana residents regarding Forsage,
- [Insurance Commissioner on SB 395](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/07/insurance-commissioner-on-sb-395/) - Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing has been working closely with the Montana Legislature to bring much needed limits on Pharmacy Benefit Managers and how they greatly add to consumer prescription costs. Downing spoke to KGVO News on Tuesday and described the issue. “I was talking to somebody over at Blue Cross who
- [New law makes telehealth expansion permanent](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/19/new-law-makes-telehealth-expansion-permanent/) - On Monday, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill to expand access to telehealth services that were originally extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation was carried by Rep. Rhonda Knudsen, a Culbertson Republican. It permanently lifts requirements that were paused during the pandemic, like an established relationship between a patient and doctor in
- [Gov. Signs Bills On Voting, Health Board Authority, MMIP And More](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/20/gov-signs-bills-on-voting-health-board-authority-mmip-and-more/) - Gov. Greg Gianforte signed several bills into law this week, including policies to end same-day voting registration and change voter ID requirements; limit local public health powers; expand telehealth access; give businesses tax breaks for vocational training; allow insurance companies to consider gender when setting rates; address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people;
- [Commissioner on PBMs and Skyrocketing Home Replacement Costs](https://csimt.gov/2021/04/27/commissioner-on-pbms-and-skyrocketing-home-replacement-costs/) - Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing spoke to KGVO News on Tuesday to discuss a bill about to be signed by Governor Gianforte that will give his office a better handle on prescription drug costs due to Pharmacy Benefit Managers. “It is one of the biggest growth areas in patient care,” said Downing.
- [Insurance Commissioner Downing on Funding for State Land Board](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/05/insurance-commissioner-downing-on-funding-for-state-land-board/) - State trust lands are managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Trust Lands Management Division. Timber, surface, and mineral resources are managed for the benefit of the common schools and the other endowed institutions in Montana, under the direction of the State Board of Land Commissioners. State Auditor Troy Downing is on the Land
- [Bill targets skyrocketing drug prices in Montana](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/05/bill-targets-skyrocketing-drug-prices-in-montana/) - By CHAD SOKOLDaily Inter Lake | May 4, 2021 12:00 AM A bill that would give Montana officials the power to license and regulate pharmacy benefit managers — the middlemen that negotiate drug prices and determine which medications are covered by health insurers — is headed to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk. Proponents say the measure would shine a
- [The “State” of Telehealth: Montana](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/05/the-state-of-telehealth-montana/) - Montana Makes Telehealth Expansion Permanent On April 19, 2021, Montana Governor, Greg Gianforte, signed House Bill 43 (“HB43” or the “Bill”) into law. The Bill, which is effective on January 1, 2022, expands access to telehealth services in Montana that was originally extended because of the public health emergency (the “Pandemic”). HB43 continues in a long line
- [Health care is expanding. Here’s how.](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/11/health-care-is-expanding-heres-how/) - Health care is expanding. Here’s how. | Montana Free Press by Alex Sakariassen 05.10.2021 Over the past four months, lawmakers in Helena have debated and fine-tuned a slate of policies designed to address Montana’s long-standing issues with medical access and affordability. Several of those bills are now poised to take effect, a development that health care leaders
- [State Auditor Warns Montanans about Multi-Level Marketers](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/11/state-auditor-warns-montanans-about-multi-level-marketers/) - Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing spoke to KGVO on Tuesday to let consumers know about the possible risks of multi-level marketing or MLM’s, especially those that don’t comply with Montana law in registering with the State Auditor’s office. “We’re looking at multi level marketing programs, and we have a code on the
- [NASAA Members Approve Model Act to Create Restitution Assistance Funds for Victims of Securities Violations](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/20/nasaa-members-approve-model-act-to-create-restitution-assistance-funds-for-victims-of-securities-violations/) - WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 18, 2021) – The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) today announced that its membership has voted to approve a model act for use by jurisdictions that are considering establishing restitution assistance funds for victims of securities violations. The NASAA Model Act to Create a Restitution Assistance Fund for Victims of Securities Violations may
- [NASAA Approves Model Act for Restitution Assistance Funds](https://csimt.gov/2021/05/20/nasaa-approves-model-act-for-restitution-assistance-funds/) - A new model act from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) would act as a guide for states to pass their own legislation or regulation creating “restitution assistance funds” for victims of securities violations who have not been paid. The “Model Act to Create a Restitution Assistance Fund for Victims of Securities Violations,” proposed last July, was
- [Insurance Commissioner Warns of High Pressure Phone Sales](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/08/insurance-commissioner-warns-of-high-pressure-phone-sales/) - Montana’s State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing continues to reach out to Montana consumers with tips to keep from becoming victims of scams, especially that deal with insurance. Downing recently released a public service announcement dealing with this subject. “Something has come to our attention,” said Downing. “One problem that is somewhat growing, is
- [Elder abuse prevention takes center stage at Helena events](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/16/elder-abuse-prevention-takes-center-stage-at-helena-events/) - The state delivered a double whammy on elder abuse Tuesday, with an observance held at a Helena bank outlining the state’s actions on dealing with the problem and a group meeting later in the day to expand an elder justice council started two years ago in Eastern Montana. State officials noted that in 2020 a
- [Elder Abuse and Wildfire Insurance in Montana](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/24/elder-abuse-and-wildfire-insurance-in-montana/) - On Tuesday, State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing spoke to KGVO about elder exploitation in Montana. State officials noted that in 2020 a record 4,500 Montanans were victims of elder abuse, an increase of nearly 30% since 2018. “Montana has the second oldest population in the country,” Downing said. “That’s an interesting data point. 75%
- [States Step Up Push to Regulate Pharmacy Drug Brokers](https://csimt.gov/2021/06/30/states-step-up-push-to-regulate-pharmacy-drug-brokers/) - Click HERE to read the entire article. Under pressure to rein in skyrocketing prescription drug costs, states are targeting companies that serve as conduits for drug manufacturers, health insurers, and pharmacies. The companies are powerful, together administering medication plans for more than 266 million Americans. A handful of the companies, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRX, control
- [Homeowners advised to check insurance policies during early fire season](https://csimt.gov/2021/07/23/homeowners-advised-to-check-insurance-policies-during-early-fire-season/) - Click HERE to read the entire article. BUTTE, Mont. — As evacuations remain in place, 55 homeowners in Wise River are wondering if they have anything to come back to. For many, fear is in the unknown. An early fire season means calls are coming in from around the state from homeowners concerned about insurance.
- [State panel recommends using federal funds to fight exploitation of elderly](https://csimt.gov/2021/07/07/state-panel-recommends-using-federal-funds-to-fight-exploitation-of-elderly/) - A state advisory committee has recommended Montana direct $645,000 of federal COVID-19 recovery funds to increase efforts to fight exploitation of senior citizens by adding three elder councils to the state and hiring more staff to focus on crimes that hurt the elderly community. Mark Mattioli, chief of the Office of Consumer Protection and Victim
- [Montanans find insurance alternative, pitfalls, with health care sharing ministries](https://csimt.gov/2021/08/09/montanans-find-insurance-alternative-pitfalls-with-health-care-sharing-ministries/) - Seaborn Larson Click HERE to view the entire article. When Maria Moeller went into the operating room for the cancer occupying her abdomen, her husband, Ron Moeller, followed behind with a weight of uncertainty. The Moellers, a retired Helena couple, joined a health care sharing ministry in 2017, two years before Maria Moeller’s surgery. Generally, such
- [Pharmacy Benefit Managers Are Feeling a Push From States to ‘Turn the Lights on’ to Their Business Practices](https://csimt.gov/2021/08/26/pharmacy-benefit-managers-are-feeling-a-push-from-states-to-turn-the-lights-on-to-their-business-practices/) - BY GABY GALVIN August 26, 2021 at 12:01 am ET More than 100 bills targeting pharmacy benefit managers have been introduced across the country this year, after the three biggest PBMs processed roughly 77% of all U.S. prescription claims in 2020. The Biden administration tabled a Part D drug rebate rule to help pay for the
- [Montanans to receive partial refunds for insurance premiums](https://csimt.gov/2021/09/01/montanans-to-receive-partial-refunds-for-insurance-premiums/) - Nearly 16,000 Montanans who purchased Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance through the marketplace are set to receive partial reimbursement for premiums paid between 2018 and 2020. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers selling plans on the marketplace to spend a certain percentage of the premiums they collect on medical or health-related expenses like doctor visits,
- [State Auditor helps seniors avoid scams while having fun](https://csimt.gov/2021/08/30/state-auditor-helps-seniors-avoid-scams-while-having-fun/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. There are a couple of unavoidable aspects of getting older. Firstly scammers are more likely to target you, and secondly, there will be BINGO. A group of senior citizens and residents at Edgewood Senior Living Facility enjoyed a fun round of BINGO and learned how to protect their
- [State, industry leaders meet at Montana Insurance Summit in Helena](https://csimt.gov/2021/09/29/state-industry-leaders-meet-at-montana-insurance-summit-in-helena/) - Insurance industry professionals from around Montana were in Helena Monday for a conversation with state leaders. About 270 people attended the Montana Insurance Summit, organized by the State Auditor’s Office. The event returned a year after it wasn’t held because of COVID-19 restrictions. Recent Stories from ktvh.com “I’m just really happy to see such a
- [Land Board approves Sperry Grade road donation, cabin sales near Blackfoot](https://csimt.gov/2021/09/30/land-board-approves-sperry-grade-road-donation-cabin-sales-near-blackfoot/) - On Monday, the Montana Land Board agreed to accept a donation of land to guarantee access to public land along the Blackfoot River near Clearwater Junction. Two miles east of Clearwater Junction, South Sperry Grade Road is just 1.2 miles long, but it provides access from Highway 200 south to the Bear Creek Bridge on
- [Partisan factions square off, over proposed congressional districts](https://csimt.gov/2021/10/20/partisan-factions-square-off-over-proposed-congressional-districts/) - HELENA — Partisan political factions lined up Tuesday at the Capitol to lampoon or support proposed new 2022 congressional districts for Montana, pitching their arguments two days before a state commission will choose a tentative final map. Republicans rallied outside the Capitol and then packed the hearing room before the Districting and Apportionment Commission, with
- [Auditor’s office wants MLMs in Montana to follow law by registering](https://csimt.gov/2021/11/10/auditors-office-wants-mlms-in-montana-to-follow-law-by-registering/) - Holly Michels The state auditor’s office is giving multi-level marketing companies operating in Montana that haven’t registered until Dec. 15 to do so and pay a reduced fine under a so-called “amnesty program.” The program will levy on multi-level marketing companies a fine of $1,000 instead of up to $5,000 per violation, as well as
- [CSI begins amnesty program for MLM’s to register](https://csimt.gov/2021/11/10/csi-begins-amnesty-program-for-mlms-to-register/) - The Office of Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance has announced that multi-level marketing companies operating in Montana have until December 15 to report their failure of registering for a reduced fine of 1,000 dollars. Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies can appeal to those looking for extra cash or become financially independent, but MLM’s
- [Montana residents making health insurance coverage decisions for next year now](https://csimt.gov/2021/11/15/montana-residents-making-health-insurance-coverage-decisions-for-next-year-now/) - By: Annie Johnson Posted at 4:14 PM, Nov 12, 2021 MONTANA — BOZEMAN – We’re not through 2021 yet, but for so many people it’s already time to make a decision about health insurance coverage for 2022. “We’re doing pretty well in Montana,” said Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, State Auditor Troy Downing. “We’re probably somewhere
- [With employees working remotely, OPI to consolidate offices](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/01/with-employees-working-remotely-opi-to-consolidate-offices/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. With roughly a third of its workforce continuing to work remotely, the Montana Office of Public Instruction is downsizing its physical footprint in Helena by vacating one of three office buildings it currently occupies. Montana Free Press reached out to OPI earlier this month after noticing a “For
- [Troy Downing, Commissioner of Insurances says he’s ready to help people who lost everything in fire](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/04/troy-downing-commissioner-of-insurances-says-hes-ready-to-help-people-who-lost-everything-in-fire/) - DENTON, MT- Troy Downing the Commissioner of securities and insurances says his agency stands ready to support people in need. *You can watch Troy Downing LIVE on Wake Up Montana Weekend on your phone or TV Saturday morning.* Downing has spent the last few days in the Denton area working with people who lost everything.
- [An IR View: Cash for vaccines, pyramid schemes, low voter turnout](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/08/an-ir-view-cash-for-vaccines-pyramid-schemes-low-voter-turnout/) - Thumbs up Kudos to the organizers of an upcoming Helena clinic where people can get $50 to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The one-day Pfizer vaccination clinic is scheduled for 2-7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. It is open to any residents of Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, Meagher and Powell
- [What is NorthWestern Energy’s liability for river and wildfire damages?](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/14/what-is-northwestern-energys-liability-for-river-and-wildfire-damages/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. Nov. 30 just might go down as one of NorthWestern Energy’s worst days since it took over Montana Power Co.’s electricity generation and transmission assets in 2002. The day marked the start of the West Wind Fire, which burned 25 homes and six commercial buildings in Denton, a small agricultural
- [Number of MLMs registered in Montana more than doubles under amnesty period](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/16/number-of-mlms-registered-in-montana-more-than-doubles-under-amnesty-period/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. Seventeen multi-level companies took advantage of an amnesty offering from the state auditor’s office to come into compliance with state law and pay reduced fines. The amnesty period ended Wednesday, and the companies that came into compliance had about 4,200 Montanans participating in their operations. “This is a
- [State auditor looks to crack down on possible pyramid schemes](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/17/state-auditor-looks-to-crack-down-on-possible-pyramid-schemes/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. Montana’s commissioner of insurance and securities is looking to crack down on possible pyramid schemes using a new incentive program. The state auditor is allowing unregistered multi-level marketing companies to pay a reduced fine if they put their businesses under state oversight. State Auditor Troy Downing started the
- [CSI MLM amnesty ends, final numbers](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/17/csi-mlm-amnesty-ends-final-numbers/) - By: Jaurdyn Johnson Posted at 4:01 PM, Dec 16, 2021 and last updated 4:01 PM, Dec 16, 2021 Click HERE to view the entire article. HELENA — Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and State Auditor of Montana ended the multi-level Marketing (MLM) Company amnesty program Wednesday, Dec. 15th. An MLM sells or distributes goods through agents or
- [An IR View: Cost of seized horses, more help for Denton, MLM amnesty program](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/17/an-ir-view-cost-of-seized-horses-more-help-for-denton-mlm-amnesty-program/) - Thumbs down Lewis and Clark County has already spent well over six figures on the horses seized in a Helena Valley animal abuse case, and the price tag is only expected to rise. As of late November, the county had spent more than $171,000 to care for the nearly 60 horses confiscated from a breeding
- [Despite amnesty period, unregistered MLMs still operate in Montana](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/18/despite-amnesty-period-unregistered-mlms-still-operate-in-montana/) - Posted at 5:27 PM, Jan 14, 2022 and last updated 7:05 PM, Jan 14, 2022 Click HERE to view the entire article. HELENA — Multi-level marketing is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States with sales representatives working in every state. In order to legally operate in Montana, multi-level marketing companies have to register
- [Land Board approves new route for power-plant pipeline](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/19/land-board-approves-new-route-for-power-plant-pipeline/) - By: Mike Denison, MTN News The state Land Board Tuesday approved the re-routing of a pipeline underneath the Yellowstone River at Laurel, despite opposition and concerns raised by some local landowners. The Land Board, composed of the top five state officeholders, voted 4-0 to amend an easement allowing NorthWestern Energy to use a new route
- [State auditor calls for reforms to Montana’s cabin site sale program](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/19/state-auditor-calls-for-reforms-to-montanas-cabin-site-sale-program/) - State Auditor Troy Downing is pushing for reforms to Montana’s sale of state land cabin sites, speaking out and voting out against those sales during the last year of the Montana State Board of Land Commissioners. Downing has been the lone public dissenter among Montana’s top statewide elected officials. The Land Board is made up
- [State Grants Access to Yellowstone River for Power Plant Pipeline](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/20/state-grants-access-to-yellowstone-river-for-power-plant-pipeline/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. Montana’s top state office holders have approved a new route for a natural gas pipeline beneath the Yellowstone River over the protests of Laurel landowners. Gov. Greg Gianforte, Auditor Troy Downing, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, voted this week to approve
- [Captive Industry’s Strong 2021 Growth Expected To Continue in 2022](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/01/captive-industrys-strong-2021-growth-expected-to-continue-in-2022/) - New captive insurance company formations continued at a strong pace in 2021. Growth is expected to remain high in 2022, as premium increases are likely to continue in the traditional commercial insurance market, captive regulators and managers say. In Vermont, the largest US captive domicile, 45 captives were licensed last year, the fourth-highest number of
- [No Surprises Act Means Changes For Medical Billing In Flathead County](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/01/no-surprises-act-means-changes-for-medical-billing-in-flathead-county/) - Federal legislation that took effect at the start of the new year means that Flathead County residents can expect some changes to medical billing practices. For Dr. Annie Robbins, the physician director of revenue cycle at Logan Health, it’s an important opportunity for people to become more involved with their healthcare finances. However, Robbins cautioned
- [State auditor says regulations needed following fatal, botched bounty hunt in Butte](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/16/state-auditor-says-regulations-needed-following-fatal-botched-bounty-hunt-in-butte/) - By: Mike Smith Click HERE to view the entire article. The state has suspended the insurance license of Butte bail bondsman Jay Steven Hubber, who has been charged in a man’s shooting death that occurred during a botched bounty hunt in December. But state Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing said regulatory authority over bondsmen
- [Standard view: Downing is right on need for bounty-hunter reforms](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/22/standard-view-downing-is-right-on-need-for-bounty-hunter-reforms-2/) - We have been generally impressed by Troy Downing’s performance as state auditor and insurance commissioner. In his handling of multilevel sales companies, his backing of the federal No Surprises Act and outreach to healthcare consumers who could be helped by it, and his call for reforms of Montana’s cabin-site sale program are all small but
- [Downing raises alarm on cybersecurity](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/01/downing-raises-alarm-on-cybersecurity/) - By DERRICK PERKINSEditor | March 1, 2022 7:00 AM Click HERE to view the entire article. The state commissioner of securities and insurance last week warned business owners to prepare for cyberattacks in the wake of sanctions levied on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. “The United States and our allies have announced economic sanctions against Russia in
- [State Auditor Celebrates Restitution to Victims of Metals.com](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/03/state-auditor-celebrates-restitution-to-victims-of-metals-com/) - State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing spoke to KGVO News on Wednesday about a settlement to Montana victims of the Metals.com scam that defrauded millions of dollars from victims all over the country. “This was obviously a broad fraud perpetrated on many Americans across the country,” began Commissioner Downing. “We had about $2.9 million
- [Montana insurance commissioner moves to stop huge rate hike for senior care policyholders](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/15/montana-insurance-commissioner-moves-to-stop-huge-rate-hike-for-senior-care-policyholders/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. More than 140 Montana policyholders of a Pennsylvania-based company received a troubling message recently: Pay as much as 600 percent more in premiums or face being cut off from a program many have invested in for decades. And, even with the increases, the troubled company is warning customers
- [Interest in Montana oil and gas picks up with state land lease sale](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/22/interest-in-montana-oil-and-gas-picks-up-with-state-land-lease-sale/) - Click HERE to view the entire article. Oil leases on state land netted Montana $1.1 million in March. Those leases were approved Monday by the Montana Land Board. The sale, which ran online from Feb. 22 to March 1, produced the highest prices for state land since the Bakken oil boom went bust in October
- [Montana DNRC reports more than $1 million from recent oil and gas lease sales](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/23/montana-dnrc-reports-more-than-1-million-from-recent-oil-and-gas-lease-sales/) - By: MTN NewsPosted at 2:45 PM, Mar 22, 2022and last updated 2:45 PM, Mar 22, 2022 Click HERE to view the entire article. HELENA — The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) reports significant revenue from recent oil and gas lease sales on state trust lands, netting $1,187,194 from the first quarter of 2022. “Ramping up
- [Montana Regulator Joins Long-Term Care Insurance Rate Hike Clash](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/24/montana-regulator-joins-long-term-care-insurance-rate-hike-clash/) - Click HERE to read the entire article. Montana hopes to stop a failed long-term care insurance issuer — Senior Health Insurance of Pennsylvania — from moving ahead with a premium increase effort. Troy Downing, Montana’s commissioner of securities insurance, said he is trying to work with insurance regulators in 27 other states to go to court to
- [Montana Insurance Commissioner warns Montanans of flood risk](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/25/montana-insurance-commissioner-warns-montanans-of-flood-risk/) - Click HERE to read the entire article. Montana Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing reminded residents to review and evaluate their flood insurance policies as spring approaches in a press release. Many flood insurance policies take up to 30 days before becoming effective and the release explained that many policyholders may not realize the coverage has the
- [Effort Underway to Rein in Out of Control Montana Bounty Hunters](https://csimt.gov/2022/04/20/effort-underway-to-rein-in-out-of-control-montana-bounty-hunters/) - The wild west concept of a bounty hunter is still alive and well in Montana, according to Ole Olson, Chief Legal Counsel for Troy Downing, Montana’s Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. Olson appeared recently on Talk Back and explained the concept of what is termed a ‘bounty hunter’. “What those folks do is if you’re held on
- [FWP developing new habitat leasing program](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/06/fwp-developing-new-habitat-leasing-program/) - FWP developing new habitat leasing program | 406 Politics | helenair.com Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is developing a new private land habitat leasing program that the department plans to add to conservation easements and land purchases funded by hunting license sales. FWP will continue to pursue purchases and easements using funding from the Habitat
- [Officials gather in Red Lodge to discuss flooding impacts](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/17/officials-gather-in-red-lodge-to-discuss-flooding-impacts/) - Click HERE to read the full article. RED LODGE, Mont. – Montana officials and officials from several agencies gathered in Red Lodge Thursday to discuss recent flooding impacting the state. Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras said the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Deanne Criswell reached out to her about coming to Montana with
- [Military members could lose access to local pharmacies, MT officials call for reversal](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/20/military-members-could-lose-access-to-local-pharmacies-mt-officials-call-for-reversal/) - Active and retired Montana military members could face hours of windshield time to secure life-saving medications because of a reduction of local pharmacies covered by their health insurance, state and federal officials have warned. Beginning Monday, nearly 15,000 independent pharmacies across the country will no longer be in-network with Tricare, the U.S. military’s health care
- [Regulators hope digital can ‘right-size’ risk: DIG IN panel](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/14/regulators-hope-digital-can-right-size-risk-dig-in-panel/) - Click HERE to read the entire article. Scott Harrison, American Insurtech Council; Kathleen Birrane, Md. insurance commissioner; Troy Downing, Mon. insurance commissioner, speak at DIG IN 2022 in New Orleans, June 10, 2022. Nathan Golia While insurers and insurtechs partner on new digital solutions for addressing issues within the industry, insurance regulators are trying to
- [State auditor offers advice on insurance claims for those affected by flood](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/14/state-auditor-offers-advice-on-insurance-claims-for-those-affected-by-flood/) - Click HERE to read the article. MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana State Auditor Troy Downing is offering Montanans advice on filing insurance claims for flood damage. Downing said his team is ready to help residents file claims and work with companies to address costs and damages. Downing noted not all policies cover flood damage, but his team
- [Steps to take for those with flood insurance](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/14/steps-to-take-for-those-with-flood-insurance/) - Click HERE to read the full article. While most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, the state commissioner of securities and insurance is encouraging those with flood coverage who have property loss to contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to start the claim process. “Unfortunately, not all homeowners’ policies cover flood damage.
- [Commissioner Downing on Filing Claims for Flood Damage](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/14/commissioner-downing-on-filing-claims-for-flood-damage/) - Governor Greg Gianforte has issued an official disaster declaration after the devastating floods that have occurred in Yellowstone National Park and the adjacent Carbon, Park and Stillwater Counties. Montana’s State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing acknowledged that declaration, as well as offering his prayers for the communities devastated by the flooding in the area. Downing spoke
- [Yellowstone’s historic flooding is an insurance nightmare](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/17/yellowstones-historic-flooding-is-an-insurance-nightmare/) - Click HERE to read the full article. In the counties most devastated by this week’s historic flooding in and around Yellowstone National Park, only 3% of residents have federal flood insurance, virtually guaranteeing huge losses and long waits for repair money. Why it matters: Most Americans don’t buy flood insurance, even as climate change makes epic catastrophes like
- [Officials say elder abuse cases on the rise in Montana](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/20/officials-say-elder-abuse-cases-on-the-rise-in-montana/) - Click HERE to read the full article. The number of Montanans reported as victims of elder abuse increased in 2021 by about 9% from the year before, state and local officials said at a recent news conference. The Department of Public Health and Human Services said that about 4,900 Montanans were victims of elder abuse
- [Estimated 115 homes destroyed or severely damaged; MT requests FEMA assistance](https://csimt.gov/2022/06/24/estimated-115-homes-destroyed-or-severely-damaged-mt-requests-fema-assistance/) - The state of Montana is requesting help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for individuals facing substantial losses from the flooding that’s devastated parts of south-central Montana. The request, signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte on Wednesday, seeks to activate FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, which is part of the presidential major disaster declaration issued by the Biden
- [State offers advice on handling hail damage](https://csimt.gov/2022/07/06/state-offers-advice-on-handling-hail-damage/) - View the full article HERE. State insurance Commissioner Troy Downing offered advice Tuesday to those affected by hail storms over the Independence Day weekend that damaged property and crops: Take photos and document all damage before cleaning up or starting repairs. Prevent more damage by covering windows and placing tarps over holes in roofs. Contact
- [Hail season: Montana insurance commissioner warns of fraudulent contractors](https://csimt.gov/2022/07/07/hail-season-montana-insurance-commissioner-warns-of-fraudulent-contractors/) - By: Hailey Monaco BILLINGS — It’s that time of year, when hot temperatures during the day bring hail in the evening, and people are pulling cars into garages and taking shelter. Hail season is here and with that, comes the possible fraudulent storm chasers. Montana Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing warns of the things homeowners should look out for
- [Military members could lose access to local pharmacies, MT officials call for reversal](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/20/military-members-could-lose-access-to-local-pharmacies-mt-officials-call-for-reversal-2/) - Active and retired Montana military members could face hours of windshield time to secure life-saving medications because of a reduction of local pharmacies covered by their health insurance, state and federal officials have warned. Beginning Monday, nearly 15,000 independent pharmacies across the country will no longer be in-network with Tricare, the U.S. military’s health care
- [Commissioner Furious About Limiting Pharmacy Access to Military](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/14/commissioner-furious-about-limiting-pharmacy-access-to-military/) - Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing issued a scathing letter on Wednesday to the U.S. Department of Defense and TRICARE drastically reducing the number of in-network pharmacies in Montana. KGVO News reached out to Commissioner Downing for more details of the action that could severely reduce access by veterans to the prescriptions
- [Relatively disastrous’ hail storm shreds east Yellowstone County crops](https://csimt.gov/2022/07/06/relatively-disastrous-hail-storm-shreds-east-yellowstone-county-crops/) - When retired farmer Leroy Gabel heard hail pelting his house early Tuesday morning, his first thought was, “Oh, damn.” Gabel leaped from his bed to check his windows. It was 2:30 a.m., so there wasn’t much to see, but he spotted the telltale wind and pellets of ice. There wasn’t much to do but hope
- [Land Board Stalls Mount Haggin Land Addition](https://csimt.gov/2022/07/19/land-board-stalls-mount-haggin-land-addition/) - The Montana Land Board has put a possible acquisition of state land on hold, adding at least another month to the multi-year process of expanding a wildlife management area near Anaconda. On Monday, the Montana Land Board voted unanimously to table a popular proposal to allow Fish, Wildlife & Parks to buy 829 acres adjacent
- [Troy Downing on Flood Damage, Home and Healthcare Insurance](https://csimt.gov/2022/07/22/troy-downing-on-flood-damage-home-and-healthcare-insurance/) - Troy Downing is Montana’s State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner, and both those jobs keep him on the road throughout the state. Downing was in Missoula on Tuesday and was able to spend an hour answering questions from KGVO listeners on Talk Back. After describing the devastation caused by the June floods in southeastern Montana, Downing addressed the topic
- [SEC charges 11 people in alleged $300 million crypto Ponzi scheme](https://csimt.gov/2022/08/02/sec-charges-11-people-in-alleged-300-million-crypto-ponzi-scheme/) - KEY POINTS On Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission said it charged 11 people for their roles in creating and promoting a fraudulent crypto pyramid and Ponzi scheme that raised more than $300 million from millions of retail investors worldwide, including in the United States. The scheme, called Forsage, claimed to be a decentralized smart
- [Montana servicemembers honored at POW/MIA ceremony in Helena](https://csimt.gov/2022/09/16/montana-servicemembers-honored-at-pow-mia-ceremony-in-helena/) - HELENA — Advocates say dozens of Montana service members remain unaccounted for, as prisoners of war or missing in action. On Friday, people gathered in Helena to ensure that those servicemembers aren’t forgotten. Friday was the 43rd National POW/MIA Recognition Day. On a solemn, rainy morning, volunteers read out the names of 53 servicemembers who have
- [Out-of-state repair companies fined for alleged insurance scams following July hailstorm](https://csimt.gov/2022/09/30/out-of-state-repair-companies-fined-for-alleged-insurance-scams-following-july-hailstorm/) - Montana’s insurance commissioner has fined four out-of-state vehicle repair companies for allegedly illegal activity after they attempted to service cars in the Bigfork area following July’s massive hailstorm. Commissioner Troy Downing said his office targeted the companies for illegally waiving or offering to waive insurance deductibles. He said Montana law prohibits this practice because, in
- [Montana veterans may lose easy access to prescriptions](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/14/montana-veterans-may-lose-easy-access-to-prescriptions/) - GREAT FALLS — Veterans in Montana and across the country who use TRICARE for their medication and prescription needs are under threat of losing easy access to these services. The Pharmacy Benefit Management Company, Express-Scripts is reducing the number of TRICARE pharmacies, as many as 15,000 locations. While this may work in areas of the
- [How the No Surprises Act affects the uninsured](https://csimt.gov/2022/01/04/how-the-no-surprises-act-affects-the-uninsured/) - HOW THE NO SURPRISES ACT AFFECTS THE UNINSURED[Helena, Montana] On January 1st of this year, the No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect protecting individuals with private health insurance from surprise medical bills. In other words, if you are insured by a company that is not Medicare or Medicaid and receive emergency medical care or
- [Land Board approves purchase of Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/18/land-board-approves-purchase-of-big-snowy-mountains-wildlife-management-area/) - The Montana Land Board on Monday approved the state’s purchase of a nearly 5,700-acre property in the Big Snowy Mountains north of Ryegate for a new wildlife management area. The board, made up of Gov. Greg Gianforte, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen and state Auditor
- [Montana’s Harsh Winters and Mail-Order Covid Tests](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/02/montanas-harsh-winters-and-mail-order-covid-tests/) - The rise in Covid-19 cases and the new federally mandated reimbursement program from insurance companies has led to an increase in demand for mail-order, self-administered Covid-19 tests. Home testing, if correctly administered, can give you vital information about the need to avoid contact with others to limit spreading the virus. At-home testing is convenient, but
- [Montana politicians pen letters criticizing Department of Defense over pharmacy policy](https://csimt.gov/2022/10/24/montana-politicians-pen-letters-criticizing-department-of-defense-over-pharmacy-policy/) - HELENA, Mont. – Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing penned a letter to the White House last week, criticizing the Department of Defense (DOD) for allowing a change in policy that could leave Montana veterans without an in-network pharmacy. TRICARE is the health program for the DOD, providing health benefits for active-duty military members,
- [Insurance After the Fact is Illegal](https://csimt.gov/2022/04/27/psa-insurance-after-the-fact-is-illegal/) - “Purchasing Car Insurance After The Accident is Fraud and Often a Felony Purchasing car insurance from a smartphone is convenient. It takes just minutes to jump on the internet, get a quote, and purchase a policy. This doesn’t give license to purchase insurance “after the fact” and try to make an insurance claim. This is
- [St. Patty’s Day & the Cost of a DUI](https://csimt.gov/2022/03/16/psa-st-pattys-day-the-cost-of-a-dui/) - Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Before ordering your first green beer, make sure to plan a safe ride home. Driving under the influence is dangerous for all of us, and you may find yourself spending the night in jail. A DUI can lead to hefty fines, jail time, community service, and a revoked driver’s license. In
- [Spring Flooding](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/24/spring-flooding/) - “With temperatures in the negatives across the state, it’s easy to forget that summer is around the corner. Warm spring and early summer temperatures mean two things in Montana: road construction and flooding. A homeowner’s insurance policy does not typically cover flood damage. Now is the time to evaluate your flood risk and consider purchasing
- [Christmas Tree Fire Prevention](https://csimt.gov/2021/12/10/christmas-tree-fire-prevention/) - This year’s unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, and low precipitation have led to devasting wildfires continuing unusually late into the winter months. As Christmas approaches, the risk of household fires grows greater as candles are lit, fireplaces are stoked, large meals are cooked, and, of course, the large tree in your living room begins to
- [Metals.com Scheme](https://csimt.gov/2022/02/01/metals-com-scheme/) - Our agency has settled a nationwide scheme perpetrated by Metals.com affecting several Montanans ─ who collectively invested more than $2.9 million in precious metals. Our investigation alleged Metals.com advised potential investors their current securities holdings were unsafe and risky and should be liquidated in order to be invested in precious metals. Metals.com representatives also misled
- [Displacement After Wildfire](https://csimt.gov/2022/08/22/psa-displacement-after-wildfire/) - Hundreds of Montanans have been displaced due to wildfire, sometimes forcing them to drive long distances, find hotel rooms, and purchase additional clothing and other life necessities. This is Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover living expenses associated with displacement due to wildfire. Make sure to keep receipts and document all costs

## Pages

- [Home](https://csimt.gov/) - We are entrusted with protecting all Montanans from bad actors by regulating two of the state’s largest industries—securities and insurance. We strive to foster a thriving Montana industry marketplace through education, common-sense regulation, and equitable enforcement of the law with swift accountability for fraudsters and justice for their victims.
- [Multi-Level Marketing Companies (MLMs) Registered in Montana](https://csimt.gov/registered_mlms/) - In late June 2026, the office of the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance began sending letters to multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) operating unlawfully in the state, urging them to complete required filings as part of a short-term program that reduces fines for unregistered MLMs that come forward. Read more in our press release HERE.
- [Multi-level Marketing Companies](https://csimt.gov/multi-level-marketing-companies/) - MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING COMPANIES Multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) are required to register with the CSI SecuritiesDivision. All submissions are submitted electronically, please do not mail in. An MLM is one that sells, distributes, or supplies goods or services through agents, contractors, or distributors at different levels of distribution. MLMs also include companies that compensate participants, in
- [Events](https://csimt.gov/events/) - CSI SUMMITS & EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS CSI INSURANCE SUMMITSEPTEMBER 29-30, 2026FAIRMONT HOTSPRINGS - ANACONDA, MT Register Here
- [Surplus Lines](https://csimt.gov/insurance/surplus-lines/) - SURPLUS LINES In Montana, surplus lines insurance is regulated under Title 33, Chapter 2, Part 3, MCA, and ARM Chapter 6.6—Insurance Department; Subchapter 6.6.28. Starting in 2026, when Montana is the home state at the time of the surplus lines insurance transaction, surplus lines filings and tax and fee payments must be submitted to the
- [Steps to obtaining a resident insurance license](https://csimt.gov/steps-to-obtaining-a-resident-insurance-license/) - OBTAINING A RESIDENT INSURANCE LICENSE STEP 1: PASS THE LICENSING EXAM Visit PearsonVUE Review Candidate Handbook & Content Outlines Register For Exam Pass the exam with a score of 75% or better STEP 2: APPLY FOR A LICENSE THROUGH NIPR Visit NIPR Review State Requirements Apply for a new license STEP 3: SUBMIT APPLICANT RIGHTS
- [Reinsurance](https://csimt.gov/reinsurance/) - REINSURANCE Reinsurance, often referred to as “insurance for insurance companies,” is a contract between a reinsurer and an insurer. In this contract, the insurance company—the cedent—transfers risk to the reinsurance company, and the latter assumes all or part of one or more insurance policies issued by the cedent. ACCREDITED/ASSUMING REINSURER Accredited Reinsurance Application Accredited/Assuming Reinsurer
- [Annual Renewals & Taxes](https://csimt.gov/insurance/annual-renewals-taxes/) - ANNUAL RENEWALS AND TAXES RENEWAL FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS Insurance Holding Companies Form B/C Fraternal Insurers HSC/HMO Pharmacy Benefit Managers Purchasing Groups Viatical Settlement Provider Annual Report PREMIUM TAX & RENEWAL FORMS (required to be filed electronically through optins.org) Administrator Renewal (TPA) Frequently Asked Questions Health Insurers and Foreign Insurers Filing Health Blank Life Disability Insurers Medical
- [FAST Team](https://csimt.gov/fast-team/) - FINANCIAL ABUSE SPECIALIST TEAM (FAST) MISSION The mission of the CSI Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) is to provide a coordinated response to elder exploitation referrals with a time-sensitive, targeted evaluation by securities and insurance specialists. The FAST group will dedicate a securities investigator, an insurance investigator, and at least one prosecutor to coordinate responses.
- [Work With Us](https://csimt.gov/careers/) - WORK WITH US The Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is a small, family-friendly state agency that takes pride in unity. All of our positions with the agency are located in Helena, Montana. Montana is an all-around great place! We are centrally located in the heart of Helena and
- [Insurance](https://csimt.gov/insurance/) - INSURANCE The CSI regulates the insurance industry in Montana and serves as the official advocate for Montana consumers in disputes with their insurance company. Insurance Basics Click HERE to learn about the basics of insurance.- What Insurance Is- How Insurance Works- Kinds of Insurance- Key Insurance Terms CONSUMERS Auto Fire Flood Hail Health Property | Home
- [NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator](https://csimt.gov/naic-life-insurance-policy-locator/) - The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) maintains a Life Policy Locator tool to assist consumers in finding life insurance policies and annuity contracts of a deceased family member or other close relationship. Access the tool by clicking HERE. Note – you will be prompted to accept the following agreement to begin the process: I
- [The Basics of Insurance](https://csimt.gov/insurance-basics/) - What Insurance Is Put simply, insurance is a way to manage financial risk.Individuals and groups buy insurance to protect themselves from unexpected costs, like a car accident, house fire, or health emergency.By buying insurance, you avoid paying the entire cost of a large expense, helping to keep you financially stable and able to recover. How
- [Consumer Protection & Financial Literacy Resources](https://csimt.gov/consumer-protection-resources/) - CONSUMER PROTECTION & FINANCIAL LITERACY RESOURCES Financial literacy goes hand-in-hand with fraud prevention. Below are resources for consumers and investors who want to learn more about detecting and preventing fraud. Common Investment Scams Senior Citizens Military Investment QUestions Students General Public
- [Public Notices](https://csimt.gov/legal-investigations/public-notices/) - PUBLIC NOTICES & HEARINGS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Adoption of NEW RULES 1 and 2 Implementing the Montana Dental Insurance Transparency and Accountability Act MAR Notice 2026-119.1 New Rules 1 and 2 Dental InsuranceDownload Hearing Date and Time:Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.Hearing Information:CSI Basement Conference Room at 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601Virtual
- [RULEMAKING INFORMATION](https://csimt.gov/rulemaking-information/) - CSI RULEMAKING INFORMATION The Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), adopts administrative rules to implement and interpret statutes enacted by the Montana Legislature and published in the Montana Code Annotated, including but not limited to Titles 30 and 33. These rules are proposed, amended, and adopted under the procedures
- [Contact](https://csimt.gov/contact/) - INSURANCE CONSUMER SERVICES Special Hours | 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.[Life and Health Insurance] 406.444.2524[All other insurance matters] 406.444.3525[fax] 406.444.1980ics@mt.gov PRODUCER LICENSING [phone] 406.444.2020[fax] 406.444.3413csi.producerlicensing@mt.gov RATES [phone] 406.444.5220[fax] 406.444.3413csi.rates@mt.gov CAPTIVE INSURANCE [phone] 406.444.3513[fax] 406.444.3413csi.captives@mt.gov GENERAL INFORMATION [phone] 406.444.2040[toll-free] 800.332.6148[email] csi@mt.gov SECURITIES [phone] 406.444.3815[fax] 406.444.5558csi.securities@mt.gov EXAMINATIONS [phone] 406.444.3506[fax] 406.444.3413csiexams@mt.gov MARKET CONDUCT [phone] 406.444.9722[fax] 406.444.3413csi.marketconduct@mt.gov HUMAN RESOURCES
- [Company Licensing](https://csimt.gov/insurance/examinations/) - COMPANY LICENSING The CSI is charged by statute with regulating the business of insurance to ensure it is conducted in accordance with the law and in such a way as to protect policyholders and the general public. A key component of this work is licensing insurance companies and regularly examining their financial information. Below you
- [Pharmacy Benefit Managers](https://csimt.gov/pharmacy-benefit-managers/) - PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS The “Montana Pharmacy Benefit Manager Oversight Act” was enacted by the 2021 Montana Legislature. Effective January 1, 2022, a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) must be licensed to operate within the State of Montana. PBM licenses must be renewed annually. Click HERE to read the law. NEW APPLICANT MATERIALS Download the completed PBM Licensing Application Upload
- [Licensing](https://csimt.gov/insurance/licensing/) - PRODUCER, ADJUSTER & CONSULTANT LICENSING We are committed to processing your requests in the most efficient manner possible. The links below provide specific instructions and forms to complete your licensing requests. To complete your licensing transactions online, please visit the National Insurance Producer Registry at www.nipr.com. The renewal process is different for each license. Please
- [Land Board](https://csimt.gov/land-board/) - BOARD OF LAND COMMISSIONERS As Montana State Auditor, James Brown is a Board of Land Commissioners member. As a Land Board Commissioner, Brown helps oversee and make decisions about the uses of the 5.2 million acres of state trust land. Click HERE to read the Commissioner's 2025 State Trust Lands Education Revenue Press Release FISCAL
- [Securities Forms](https://csimt.gov/securities-forms-2/) - INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS FORM BD Uniform Application for Broker-Dealer Registration Broker-Dealer Firms Investment Adviser Firms FORM BDW Uniform Request for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal FORM U-2 Consent to Service of Progress Broker-Dealer Firms FORM U-4 Uniform Application for Securities Registration or Transfer Annual renewal requirements for Issuer-Appointed Salesperson Broker-Dealer Representative or Salesperson FORM U-5 Agent Termination CAPITAL FORMATION
- [Indian Country Resources](https://csimt.gov/indian-country-resources/) - 2025 AIAN Cultural Awareness & Communications Report Home Insurance in Indian Country Flyer 2023 Communication & Cultural Awareness in Montana 2022 AIAN Cultural Awareness & Communication Report 2022 AIAN ACA Report 2022 AIAN Pandemic Report Other State Tribal Nation Resources Montana Department of Justice—Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force Office of Governor—Indian Affairs Department of Commerce—Native
- [Outreach](https://csimt.gov/outreach/) - OUTREACH Annual Reports The CSI is pleased to present our 2025 Annual Report. 2024 Fiscal Year Annual Performance Report The CSI is pleased to provide our 2024 report as Section 2-12-105, MCA requires. We pride ourselves on transparency and accountability and continue to do great work for Montanans. 2023 CSI Annual Report 2023 was another
- [Rates](https://csimt.gov/insurance/rates/) - RATES State law tasks the CSI with reviewing—and, in some cases, approving—the rates of insurance policies sold in Montana. See CSI Rate Filing Requirements. There are no filing fees for rates. Below you will find the documents used by insurance companies to submit company rates for review. Long-Term Care Combination Instructions & Excel Template Long-Term
- [Captives](https://csimt.gov/insurance/captive/) - CAPTIVE INSURANCE Captive insurance companies are regulated under Title 33, Chapter 28, MCA, and ARM Chapter 6.6—Insurance Department; Subchapter 6.6.68. Montana has become a leader in the captive insurance marketplace. It began in 2001 and currently Montana has nearly 300 domiciled captive insurance companies. The CSI is committed to further growth in the dynamic captive insurance market. The
- [Presentation Inquiry](https://csimt.gov/securities-presentation-inquiry/) - REQUEST A PRESENTATION If you want the CSI Team to give a presentation, please submit the form below. We give presentations across Montana on the following topics: Investor Protection / Fraud Awareness Fraud Prevention for Seniors–“Fraud Bingo" Capital Formation Insurance Rates Driver's Education Class Law Enforcement Training
- [Approved Independent Review Organizations](https://csimt.gov/approved-independent-review-organizations/) - APPROVED INDEPENDENT REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS The following is a list of all independent review organizations (IRO) authorized to conduct external reviews in Montana pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 33-32-401 et seq. IRO approval is effective for two years, at which time an IRO must reapply. APPROVED FOR HEALTH EXTERNAL APPEALS AllMed Healthcare Management Inc 123
- [Legislative Information & Statutory Reporting](https://csimt.gov/legislative-priorities/) - LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION & STATUTORY REPORTING The CSI will work with legislators on their priorities to help protect consumers of securities and insurance. For additional information, please visit the Montana State Legislature website. CSI GOALS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2027 BIENNIUM GOVERNORS BUDGET CSI RULEMAKING INFORMATION 2025 SESSION RECAP HOUSEKEEPING—HB 60 Working with industry, consumer groups, and staff,
- [Previous Public Records Requests](https://csimt.gov/previous-public-records-requests/) - PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS Per the provisions of Title 2, Part 6, Chapter 10 of MCA, the CSI is pleased to provide a record of previous Public Records Requests made to the agency. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
- [Restitution Assistance Fund](https://csimt.gov/restitution-assistance-fund/) - THE LYNNE EGAN MEMORIAL SECURITIESRESTITUTION ASSISTANCE FUND In 2011, the Commissioner’s office worked with Montana’s legislature to create a Securities Restitution Assistance Fund. Upon the passing of long-time Deputy Securities Commissioner, Lynne Egan, Governor Greg Gianforte proclaimed that the Fund should be referred to as the "Lynne Egan Memorial Securities Restitution Assistance Fund." Montana’s Fund
- [Forms](https://csimt.gov/insurance/forms/) - FORMS An insurance form—or policy—specifies what a policy will and will not cover. By state law, the CSI is tasked with reviewing forms filed by licensed insurance companies in Montana. Below you will find the documents used by insurance companies to submit company forms for review. PUBLIC ACCESS We offer the public several methods of
- [Steps to obtaining a nonresident insurance license](https://csimt.gov/steps-to-obtaining-a-nonresident-insurance-license/) - OBTAINING A NONRESIDENT INSURANCE LICENSE STEP 1: HOLD A RESIDENT LICENSE IN YOUR HOME STATE Obtain an active resident insurance license in your state of residence or principal place of business Ensure your resident license is in good standing STEP 2: REVIEW LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Visit the NIPR website to review Montana's specific requirements Fees Lines
- [Investigations](https://csimt.gov/legal-investigations/) - INVESTIGATIONS Contact Us Laws & Rules Legal Actions Advisory Memos Service of Process LEGALThe Legal Services Division ensures accountability for bad actors by investigating and prosecuting criminal, civil, and administrative violations of Montana’s insurance and securities laws. This division also acts as general counsel for CSI. INVESTIGATIONSThe Insurance Investigations Division investigates insurance fraud complaints and ensures
- [Marketplace Certification](https://csimt.gov/insurance/marketplace-certification/) - MARKETPLACE CERTIFICATION The CSI oversees the training and certification requirements on a state level for the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace located at www.healthcare.gov. Details on how to start or renew your certification as a certified exchange producer, certified application counselor, and navigator are below. CERTIFIED EXCHANGE PRODUCERS (CEPs) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- [Service of Process](https://csimt.gov/service-of-process/) - SERVICE OF PROCESS APPOINT A REGISTERED AGENT ALL FOREIGN AND ALIEN INSURERS MUST APPOINT A REGISTERED AGENT AS FOLLOWS: Mail Form 12 to: Montana State Auditor | Attn: Exams | 840 Helena Avenue | Helena, MT 59601 Complete a Form 12 FIND A REGISTERED AGENT RESOURCES FOR FINDING A REGISTERED AGENT: Go to sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup Set Montana as
- [Laws & Rules](https://csimt.gov/laws-rules-3/) - LAWS & RULES The business of insurance and the offer and sale of securities are governed by state and federal law. CSI primarily enforces state law. State laws include state statutes, administrative rules, and court decisions interpreting these statutes and administrative rules. All Montana state statutes are published in the Montana Code Annotated. Those statutes
- [Long-Term Care](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/long-term-care/) - LONG-TERM CARE Anticipating financial needs after retirement and what the future holds can be difficult and stressful. Will I need help to live independently in my home? Will specialized care at a senior care facility be needed? Long-term care insurance helps pay for these kinds of unforeseen events. However, long-term care insurance can be costly
- [Hail](https://csimt.gov/hail/) - HAIL Hail comes without much warning and can cause significant damage to property. It’s important for property owners to take the right steps from the beginning to prevent bigger problems down the road. Below are some helpful tips to make your insurance claim process as smooth as possible, and to avoid unscrupulous contractors. What you
- [Auto](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/auto/) - AUTO INSURANCE Every Montana driver is required to carry liability insurance on their vehicle. That’s the law. But there are other laws that govern what the insurance company must cover—and how you, as the customer, must be treated. Our office upholds the laws that govern auto insurance companies. We also serve as the experts on
- [Securities Laws & Rules](https://csimt.gov/securities-laws-rules/) - SECURITIES LAWS & RULES The Securities Department enforces the Montana Securities Act specifically relating to: Registration of broker-dealers, investment advisers, salespeople, and representatives Registration, notification, and exemption of securities issuers Fraudulent and unethical practices relating to broker-dealers, investment advisers, salespeople and representatives Multi-level marketing companies Living Trust Companies Securities firms and securities industry professionals, securities
- [securities_role of disclosure](https://csimt.gov/securities_role-of-disclosure/) - ROLE OF DISCLOSURE Both federal and state laws require companies conducting a securities offering to inform each potential investor all material information about the business, its principals, and the investment opportunity (including the risks of the investment), that a reasonable person would want to know in order to make an informed investment decision. The offer
- [Registration & Fees](https://csimt.gov/registration-fees-2/) - REGISTRATION & FEES Broker-Dealer/Investment Advisor Registration & Fees The Montana Securities Department uses FINRA’s Central Registration Depository to register FINRA member firms. All of the paperwork and fees are submitted to the FINRA Central Registration Depository. If your firm is not a FINRA member firm, you can send the required materials directly to our office.
- [securities_options for raising capital](https://csimt.gov/securities_options-for-raising-capital/) - OPTIONS FOR RAISING CAPITAL All securities offerings must either be registered with the CSI Securities Division or be exempt from registration in accordance with the Securities Act of Montana. Below find descriptions of various registration options and exemptions available in Montana. The summaries of the Securities Act of Montana and related regulations provided here are
- [securities_scor](https://csimt.gov/securities_scor/) - SMALL COMPANY OFFERING REGISTRATION (SCOR) The Small Company Offering Registration (“SCOR”) offers an optional method of registration that utilizes a question-and-answer disclosure document and enables corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) to raise up to $1 million during a period of up to 12 months through the sales of securities to the public. The SCOR
- [Equity Crowdfunding](https://csimt.gov/equity-crowdfunding/) - EQUITY CROWDFUNDING WHAT IS CROWDFUNDING? Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising small financial contributions from a large number of people. Under Montana law, a company wanting to solicit Montana investors will need to register its securities with the CSI Securities Division. However, a Montana-based company seeking to solicit Montana
- [securities_raising small business capital](https://csimt.gov/securities_raising-small-business-capital/) - RAISING SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL Many small businesses reach a point in their development when the owner’s capital, gifts from friends and family, and lines of credit or other loans are exhausted prior to the company becoming self-sustaining. If your business is at this point, you might want to consider whether raising capital through a securities
- [Securities_small business assistance](https://csimt.gov/securities_small-business-assistance/) - SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE The CSI Securities Division is tasked with promoting capital formation. One-way small businesses can raise capital is by selling stock or other securities in their companies. Several special programs have been created to assist small businesses desiring to conduct a securities offering. These programs provide special guidance for designing an offering, drafting
- [Investment Advisers & Representatives](https://csimt.gov/investment-advisers-investment-adviser-representatives/) - INVESTMENT ADVISERS & REPRESENTATIVES Investment advisers and their representatives operating in Montana (with certain exceptions) are required to be registered with the CSI. INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS All investor adviser applicants, whether for state registration or federal notice filing status, must file over the Internet through the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD). The CSI may request
- [Securities](https://csimt.gov/securities/) - SECURITIES File Complaint | Report Fraud Contact Us Capital Formation
- [Broker-Dealer](https://csimt.gov/broker-dealer/) - BROKER-DEALERS SECURITIES BROKER-DEALERS & SECURITIES SALESPERSONS Broker-dealers, securities salespersons, agents of securities issuers, and commodities brokers operating in Montana are required to be licensed with the CSI. CSI reviews applications for the qualifications of their principals, and the disciplinary history of the firm and its principals. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FINRA MEMBER BROKER-DEALER FIRMS & SALESPERSONS
- [SECURITIES COMPLIANCE](https://csimt.gov/securities-compliance/) - SECURITIES COMPLIANCE The following products or investment opportunities require compliance with the Securities Act of Montana and/or the Insurance Code. If you offer and sell these products, you are required to fully disclose all of the potential risks associated with the investment. The sale of these products requires compliance with the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act,
- [Helpful Websites & Links](https://csimt.gov/helpful-websites-links/) - HELPFUL WEBSITES & LINKS Montana Governor's Office Montana Attorney General—The attorneys in the Office have expertise in a wide range of legal topics and handle a broad range of legal cases involving the State of Montana and its people. These attorneys represent state agencies in lawsuits, represent Montana’s interests in complex civil cases where the
- [SECURITIES FRAUD](https://csimt.gov/file-a-complaint-2/) - FILE A SECURITIES COMPLAINT OR REPORT FRAUD The Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is a criminal justice agency that investigates and prosecutes insurance and securities fraud. Protecting consumers and rooting out fraud is our top priority. Montana law requires agents, brokers, or anyone with reason to believe fraud has
- [Military Financial Literacy](https://csimt.gov/military/) - MILITARY FINANCIAL LITERACY & RESOURCES Members of the armed services can be deployed on short notice, leaving little time to address their personal or business affairs. Insurance coverage is often affected when someone moves out of state or spends extended time away from home. Upon retirement and reenlistment, military members are often targets for securities
- [Common Investing Schemes](https://csimt.gov/common-investing-schemes/) - COMMON INVESTING SCHEMES UNLICENSED INDIVIDUALS Most cases of criminal prosecution involves an unlicensed person selling securities. Call CSI to verify a person is licensed to sell securities. Avoid potential securities fraud by verifying the license/registration status of a financial professional before conducting business with that person. PYRAMID SCHEMES Pyramid schemes are fraudulent because compensation is
- [Living Trust Sellers](https://csimt.gov/living-trust-sellers/) - FORMS Living Trust Schedule A Living Trust Schedule B NEED MORE HELP? Contact the CSI Securities Division at 406.444.3815 or CSI.Securities@mt.gov
- [Living Trusts](https://csimt.gov/living-trusts/) - LIVING TRUSTS Individuals who want to transfer property and assets to others in a convenient and beneficial manner often establish trusts. Trusts can be used in the estate planning process by people, who upon their death, want their property to pass to their loved ones without going through the probate process. However, estate planning is
- [Securities_Your investing rights](https://csimt.gov/securities_your-investing-rights/) - INVESTORS RIGHTS When you invest in securities, you have rights that are protected under federal and state securities laws. CSI's Securities Division works to protect your investing rights by ensuring the securities industry adheres to certain standards. HOW WE HELP The CSI is a resource for information about people offering and selling securities in the
- [How to protect yourself](https://csimt.gov/how-to-protect-yourself/) - HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF While the vast majority of investments and the people who pitch them are legitimate, it pays to remember there are a few bad apples out there. State and federal laws require securities brokers, advisers, firms, and the products they sell to be registered or licensed. Security products can take many forms,
- [More Information](https://csimt.gov/more-information/) - SURPLUS LINES Effective January 1, 2026 the Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) will adopt the SLIP+ for States platform for the reporting of Montana surplus lines policies and endorsements and payment of Montana surplus lines premium taxes. Tax Year 2025 and earlier filings, endorsements, cancellations, tax payments and
- [Press Releases](https://csimt.gov/news-media/press-releases/) - PRESS RELEASES
- [Public Records Request](https://csimt.gov/public-information-request/) - PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST *Note: CSI does not provide lists of licensees or their contact information. WHAT IS A PUBLIC RECORD? A “public record” is “public information that is: fixed in any medium and is retrievable in a usable form for future reference; and designated for retention by the state records committee, judicial branch, legislative branch,
- [Burning Priorities: Wildfire Insurance & Mitigation Strategies - September 25, 2025](https://csimt.gov/burning-priorities-wildfire-insurance-mitigation-strategies-september-25-2025/)
- [Industry Insights: What Companies are Seeing in the Market - September 25, 2025](https://csimt.gov/industry-insights-what-companies-are-seeing-in-the-market-september-25-2025/)
- [CSI Bureau Presentations - September 25, 2025](https://csimt.gov/csi-bureau-presentations-september-25-2025/)
- [Insurance for Aging: A Blueprint for the Future - September 25, 2025](https://csimt.gov/insurance-for-aging-a-blueprint-for-the-future/)
- [AI In Insurance: Deep Fakes, Ethics, and the Transformation of Reality - September 25, 2925](https://csimt.gov/ai-in-insurance-deep-fakes-ethics-and-the-transformation-of-reality-september-25-2925/)
- [2025 Legislative Session Update - September 25, 2025](https://csimt.gov/2025-legislative-session-update-september-25-2025/)
- [Commissioners' Corner - September 24, 2025](https://csimt.gov/commissioners-corner-september-24-2025/)
- [Grassroots Advocacy, NAIFA - September 24, 2025](https://csimt.gov/grassroots-advocacy-naifa-september-24-2025/)
- [Fraud in the 406 - September 24, 2025](https://csimt.gov/fraud-in-the-406-september-24-2025/)
- [Insurance Rates 101 - September 24, 2025](https://csimt.gov/insurance-rates-101-september-24-2025/)
- [About](https://csimt.gov/about/) - ABOUT THE CSI
- [CSI Strategic Goals](https://csimt.gov/csi-roadmaps/) - CSI STRATEGIC GOALS View the 2025 Annual Plan HERE RESOURCES ANNUAL PLANS & ROADMAPS 2025 Annual Plan 2024 Roadmap & 2027 Biennium Goals 2023 Roadmap Overview 2023 Roadmap & 2025B Goals 2023 Vision & Mission 2022 Accomplishments 2022 Roadmap Overview 2022 Roadmap & Goals
- [CSI Goals & Accomplishments](https://csimt.gov/csi-goals-accomplishments/) - CSI GOALS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS “The strength of the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance lies in the dedication and professionalism of our entire team. Every member of the agency—whether working directly with consumers, investigating fraud, or supporting our operations—plays a vital role in protecting Montana families and businesses. I am proud to work alongside such
- [Legislative Information & Statutory Reporting](https://csimt.gov/legislative-information/) - LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION & STATUTORY REPORTING The CSI will work with legislators on their priorities to help protect consumers of securities and insurance. For additional information, please visit the Montana State Legislature website. CSI GOALS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2027 BIENNIUM GOVERNORS BUDGET 2025 SESSION RECAP HOUSEKEEPING—HB 60 Working with industry, consumer groups, and staff, the CSI has
- [Securities Forms](https://csimt.gov/securities-forms/) - SECURITIES FORMS All the forms you will find in the securities section of our website are located here by subject. CONSUMER How to Protect Yourself—While talking to my Broker Living Trust Schedule A Proper disclosure of outside business activities Living Trust Schedule B Application for Restitution Assistance Military Assistance Deployment Checklist Consumer or Professional Online
- [News](https://csimt.gov/news-media/news/) - NEWS
- [Capital Formation](https://csimt.gov/capital-formation/) - CAPITAL FORMATION INVESTING IN MONTANA &SECURITIES LAWS Helping you understand the law whenraising capital for your business. It is our mission to promote capital formation (or investing dollars) in Montana to foster business growth and encourage entrepreneurship. Several special programs have been created to assist small businesses desiring to raise capital from investors. These programs
- [Property, Home & Business Owners](https://csimt.gov/homeowners/) - PROPERTY | HOME | BUSINESS For most of us, our property, home, and businesses are our most expensive investments—and it pays to protect them. For that reason, insurance safeguards our investment and ensures we can recover after a loss. It is important to understand how your insurance works and to educate yourself about your coverage
- [Property  |  Home  |  Business](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/homeowners/)
- [Montana Health Answers](https://csimt.gov/montana-health-answers/) - MONTANA PLANS & RATES How do you pick the right health insurance plan? How much should you pay? Can you get a tax credit to bring down the cost?These are not always easy questions to answer. The CSI is here to help answer all your questions. IMPORTANT DATES November 1: Open Enrollment starts for health coverage
- [Meet Commissioner Brown](https://csimt.gov/meet-commissioner-brown/) - COMMISSIONER JAMES BROWN On November 5th, 2024, James Brown was elected as the Treasure State’s next State Auditor. Prevailing by a 22-point margin, Brown oversees a state criminal justice agency tasked with protecting Montana’s insurance and securities consumers. As the elected State Auditor, Brown will also champion education funding and proper stewardship of state trust
- [Police Retirement & Fire Department Reports](https://csimt.gov/fire-and-police-reporting/) - POLICE RETIREMENT & FIREDEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORTS The CSI is responsible for distributing a portion of insurance premium taxes to the Montana Public Employees’ Retirement Administration for the Firefighters’ Unified Retirement System, the Volunteer Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund, and the Municipal Police Officers’ Retirement System. In accordance with 19-19-204, MCA, and 19-18-511, MCA, clerks of cities having fire
- [Fire](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/fire/) - FIRE We’re not experts on fire, but we do know insurance. We can help you prepare yourself before disaster strikes and after the smoke clears. If you experience losses due to fire and are having a difficult time with your insurance company, call our office at 406.444.2040. WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE Call your
- [Sandbox Waiver Information](https://csimt.gov/sandbox-waiver-letter-application/) - SANDBOX WAIVER INFORMATION In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed innovation regulatory waiver legislation (HB 836), commonly referred to as “sandbox waiver.” This act authorizes the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) to grant waivers of certain requirements of the Montana Insurance Code for eligible submissions. The law is applicable to property and casualty insurers. See:
- [Flood](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/flood/) - FLOOD INSURANCE DID YOU KNOW? When flooding is imminent or predicted, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to purchase loss avoidance supplies like tarps, sandbags, and more. GENERAL FLOOD INFORMATION Did you know most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage? Unless you’ve specifically purchased flood insurance, you are
- [Bail Bondsman Arrest and Surrender Reporting](https://csimt.gov/bail-bondsman-arrest-and-surrender-reporting/) - BAIL BONDS ARREST &SURRENDER REPORTING Pursuant to § 46-9-510(1)(b), MCA, and ARM 6.6.6006(5), all arrests or surrenders of a principal/defendant by a licensed bail bond producer must be reported to the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) within seven business days of an arrest or surrender. The CSI has made this reporting easy
- [Legal Actions](https://csimt.gov/legal-actions/) - LEGAL ACTIONS The CSI Legal Services Division handles criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement actions for violations of the Montana Insurance Code and the Securities Act of Montana. Enforcement actions are posted to the CSI website and are available by searching or browsing the tables below. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
- [Advisory Memos](https://csimt.gov/advisory-memos/) - ADVISORY MEMOS The CSI periodically issues advisory memorandums and other bulletins on this page. These advisory memorandums are meant to distribute important information regarding CSI’s interpretation of laws or rules, state and federal law changes, administrative rule changes, or CSI’s position on industry practices. Click below to sign up for our legal notices email list
- [Medicare](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/medicare/) - MEDICARE Everybody knows there’s something special about turning 65. For most of us, it’s when we qualify for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors. But for many Montanans, Medicare is only part of the picture of covering your healthcare costs. Montanans can also purchase a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan to cover
- [Insurance Complaints & Fraud](https://csimt.gov/insurance-complaints-fraud/) - INSURANCE COMPLAINTS & FRAUD INSURANCE COMPLAINTS Ready for help?Click the button below to fileyour insurance complaint. MONTANA ONLINECOMPLAINT FORM If you are submitting this complaint on behalf of another person, please include this signed third-party information disclosure authorization with your supporting documents. Examples of insurance complaints include: Insurance coverage issues, claim disputes, premium problems, sales misrepresentations, policy
- [Hot Topics](https://csimt.gov/hot-topics/) - HOT TOPICS 2024 Federal updates regarding Medicaid/Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Eligibility, Enrollment & Renewal November 30, 2024: Marketplace plan special enrollment period to access coverage on the Marketplace ends November 30, 2024 for those who are over income eligibility for Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids. Healthcare.gov March 28, 2024: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
- [File a Complaint](https://csimt.gov/file-a-complaint/) - FILE A COMPLAINT OR REPORT FRAUD INSURANCE PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS CSI handles most insurance problems involving home, business, auto, health, life, etc. Those problems may include coverage issues, claim disputes, premium problems, sales misrepresentations, policy cancellations, and refunds, just to name a few. CSI will also investigate all complaints against insurance producers, adjusters, and consultants.
- [News & Media](https://csimt.gov/news-media/) - CSI Insider Podcast
- [Podcasts](https://csimt.gov/news-media/podcasts/)
- [Certificate of Surrender Service Dashboard](https://csimt.gov/certificate-of-surrender-service-dashboard/) - Certificate of Surrender Service Dashboard Create a New Certificate of Surrender Service Your Existing Certificates of Surrender Your Submitted Certificates of Surrender Reports
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Industry Insights - What Companies Are Seeing in the Market](https://csimt.gov/industry-insights-9-5-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - 2025 Legislative Discussion](https://csimt.gov/2025-legislative-discussion-9-5-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Future of Insurance - How AI is Affecting the Industry](https://csimt.gov/future-of-insurance-how-ai-is-affecting-the-industry-9-5-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Enforcement Actions – Live Recorded Podcast](https://csimt.gov/csi-enforcement-actions-9-5-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Living with Wildfire](https://csimt.gov/living-with-wildfire-9-4-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Hot Topics - Fire Discussion](https://csimt.gov/hot-topics-fire-discussion-9-5-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Catastrophe Risk and Property Markets](https://csimt.gov/catastrophe-risk-and-property-markets-9-4-24/)
- [CSI Insurance Summit - Wildfire Insurance: Risk, Resiliency & Recovery](https://csimt.gov/wildfire-insurance-risk-resiliency-recovery-9-4-24/)
- [CSI Bureau Presentations - 9/4/2024](https://csimt.gov/bureau-presentations-2024/)
- [Submit a Certificate of Surrender Service Report](https://csimt.gov/submit-a-certificate-of-surrender-service/) - Submit a Certificate of Surrender Service Report
- [Certificate of Surrender Service Form](https://csimt.gov/certificate-of-surrender-service-form/) - Certificate of Surrender Service Form
- [Insurance Fraud](https://csimt.gov/insurance-fraud/) - SUSPECT INSURANCE FRAUD? REPORT IT. The CSI is a criminal justice agency that investigates and prosecutes insurance and securities fraud. Protecting consumers and rooting out fraud is our top priority. Montana law requires agents, brokers, or anyone with reason to believe fraud has occurred to report the suspected fraud to our office. If you prefer
- [Register to Submit Surety Bail Bond Insurance Producer Arrest or Surrender Reports](https://csimt.gov/register-coss/) - Register to Submit Surety Bail Bond Insurance Producer Arrest or Surrender Reports
- [Login to Submit Surety Bail Bond Insurance Producer Arrest or Surrender Reports](https://csimt.gov/login-coss/) - Login to Submit Surety Bail Bond Insurance Producer Arrest or Surrender Reports
- [Thank you for Registering](https://csimt.gov/thank-you-for-registering/) - Thank you for Registering Log In
- [Certificate of Surrender](https://csimt.gov/certificate-of-surrender/)
- [Health Insurance 101—The Basics](https://csimt.gov/health-insurance-101-the-basics/) - HEALTH INSURANCE 101 There are other ways to have health insurance coverage. One big way is through your job. Federal law requires all employer-sponsored plans to meet minimum standards of quality and affordability. Your employer will know if their insurance plan meets these requirements. If it doesn’t, you can buy insurance on your own through healthcare.gov and receive
- [Independent Review Organization New & Renewal Applications](https://csimt.gov/independent-review-organization-new-renewal-applications/) - INDEPENDENT REVIEW ORGANIZATION (IRO) Health insurance Independent Review Organizations (IRO) are regulated under Title 33, Chapter 32, MCA, and Admin. R. M. Title 6, Chapter 32.Long-term care insurance IROs are regulated under Title 33, Chapter 22, Part 11, MCA, and Admin. R. M. Title 6, Chapter 31. In Montana an IRO may perform external appeals
- [CSI Internships](https://csimt.gov/csi-internships/) - CSI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The CSI, through its internship program, recognizes the importance for state government to identify, recruit, and retain the next generation of public servants. We value the contributions made by students and recent graduatesof all ages and backgrounds. The internship program provides students an immersive opportunity to combine classroom learning with part-time
- [Agency Advisor](https://csimt.gov/agency-advisor/) - CSI NEWSLETTER CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Agency Advisor Winter 2023/24 We continue to successfully serve as the front line for consumer complaints for insurance and securities. Outreach and education are a key focus of the agency, with an emphasis on fraud awareness and its disproportionate impact on seniors and other vulnerable populations.
- [Insurance online complaint form](https://csimt.gov/insurance-online-complaint-form/) - MONTANA ONLINE INSURANCE COMPLAINT FORM WHAT THE CSI CAN DO, AND WHAT IS OUTSIDE OF OUR AUTHORITY CSI Consumer Advocates answer hundreds of insurance questions every day. If you’re not sure if we can help you, call our office at 800.332.6148 or 406.444.2040. WHAT THE CSI CAN DO Help you understand your insurance policy. Assist
- [SURETY BAIL BOND INSURANCE PRODUCER ARREST OR SURRENDER REPORT](https://csimt.gov/surety-bail-bond-insurance-producer-arrest-or-surrender-report/) - BAIL BONDS Pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 46-9-510(1)(b) (2023) and Admin. R. Mont. § 6.6.6006(5), this form must be completed and submitted to the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance within 7 business days of an arrest or surrender of a Principle/Defendant by a licensed bail bond producer pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. §
- [Roundtable Speed Dating on Insurance Hot Topics - 9/13/2023](https://csimt.gov/roundtable-speed-dating-on-insurance-hot-topics-9-13-2023/) - Roundtable Speed Dating on Insurance Hot Topics September 13, 2023
- [Workers’ Compensation Update - 9/12/2023](https://csimt.gov/workers-compensation-update-9-12-2023/) - Insurance Professionals Presentations Roundup September 12, 2023 Workers’ Compensation Update
- [Public Service Announcements](https://csimt.gov/news-media/public-service-announcements/) - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
- [Medicaid](https://csimt.gov/medicaid/) - MEDICAID The Montana Medicaid program is a partnership of the state of Montana and the federal government to provide health care coverage for certain low-income Montanans. CSI does not regulate or manage the Medicaid program. Medicaid is run by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. If you are looking for more
- [Health_rate filings & review](https://csimt.gov/health-insurance_rates/) - HEALTH RATE FILINGS & REVIEW Insurance companies offering individual and small-group health insurance plans are required to file proposed rates with the CSI for review before plans can be sold to consumers. RATE FILINGS FOR 2023 PLANS—INDIVIDUAL MARKET [table id=5 /] RATE FILINGS FOR 2023 PLANS—SMALL GROUP [table id=6 /] What is a rate?
- [Viatical Settlement Providers](https://csimt.gov/viatical-settlement-providers/) - VIATICAL SETTLEMENT PROVIDERS Viatical Settlement Broker Form
- [Small Business Securities FAQs](https://csimt.gov/small-business-securities-faqs/) - SMALL BUSINESS SECURITIES FAQs I'm thinking about starting a business but I need to raise more money. Can I advertise for investors? In order to advertise, you must do a registered securities offering with the CSI Securities Division. Our experience has been that start-up businesses have a very difficult time getting investors from the general
- [Health plans by Montana region](https://csimt.gov/health-plans-by-montana-region/) - HEALTH PLANS BY MONTANA REGION You can access ACA health plan and premium information by county or in each region. Select your region to view the ACA plans in your area. To determine your premium amount, look for the county or rating area of your primary residence. REGION 3 Individual ACAPlans 2023 Health Plans 2023
- [Privacy & Security](https://csimt.gov/privacy-policy/) - PRIVACY & SECURITY Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Website Privacy and Security Statements This website is governed by the State of Montana Internet Privacy and Security Policy. “The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance respects each individual website user's right to privacy. Any personal information that
- [Pharmacy Discount Cards](https://csimt.gov/pharmacy-discount-cards/) - PHARMACY DISCOUNT CARD FORM
- [Op-Eds](https://csimt.gov/news-media/op-eds/) - OP-EDS
- [Life Insurance](https://csimt.gov/life-insurance/) - LIFE INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY LOCATOR Every year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed. The CSI, in cooperation the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has compiled a service that provides consumers with search capabilities to help find a deceased person’s lost life insurance policies and annuities. The Life Insurance Policy Locator
- [contact_general inquiry](https://csimt.gov/contact_general-inquiry/)
- [Market Conduct](https://csimt.gov/insurance/market-conduct/) - MARKET CONDUCT MARKET CONDUCT ANNUAL STATEMENT The Market Conduct Annual Statement (MCAS) was developed in 2002 to provide regulators with a uniform system of collecting market-related information to help states monitor the market conduct of companies. This allows regulators to identify concerns regarding claims and underwriting. MCAS ratios were developed to provide more meaningful comparisons
- [Renters](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/renters/) - RENTERS INSURANCE Insurance to protect your property isn’t just for homeowners. If you are living in a rental you can purchase renters insurance to protect your belongings if they are damaged in a covered loss. Many people in rental properties may not be aware that the property owner’s insurance doesn’t cover their personal property if
- [securities_coordinated review](https://csimt.gov/securities_coordinated-review/) - COORDINATED REVIEW Coordinated Review – Section 3(b) (CR-3(b) for Regulation A Offerings)Available to issuers seeking to sell securities in multiple states in an offering exempt under federal Section 3(b) and Regulation A adopted thereunder. It provides a uniform state registration procedure designed to coordinate the blue-sky registration process in all the states in which the
- [Consumer or Professional Online Complaint Form](https://csimt.gov/consumer-or-professional-online-complaint-form/)
- [Registration & Fees](https://csimt.gov/registration-fees/)
- [Health](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/health/)
- [Find a Professional](https://csimt.gov/find-a-professional/)
- [Insure Montana](https://csimt.gov/insurance/insure-montana/)
- [Your Insurance](https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/)

## Events

- [2025 CSI Insurance Summit](https://csimt.gov/event/2025-csi-insurance-summit/) - REGISTER TODAY AGENDA BELOW! Don’t miss out—register today to secure your spot! - A day and a half of quality content for just $100 ($75 Early Bird through July 31st)– National and local speakers– CE and CLE credits– One-on-one time with the CSI staff For the CSI Insurance Summit room block, visit fairmontmontana.com, group ID:
- [Detecting and Preventing Investment Fraud](https://csimt.gov/event/detecting-and-preventing-investment-fraud/) - Romance scams and crypto-investment scams represent an ever-evolving threat to consumers. This session will explore the big tech perspective on these scams, delve into the sophisticated techniques employed by bad actors, and highlight opportunities to disrupt scams through public-private partnerships.Lucia HarrisDirector of Member ProtectionMatch Group As Director of Member Protection at Match Group, Lucia leads
- [2025 Investing in Montana Summit](https://csimt.gov/event/2025-investing-in-montana-summit/) - Investing in Montana Summit | June 12, 2025 | Bozeman, MT The 2025 Investing in Montana Summit is a dynamic event exploring the investment landscape for businesses in Montana. The summit will cover key topics such as capital-raising strategies, securities laws for businesses and investors (1 CLE), and the intricacies surrounding the cost of capital.
- [Succession Planning for Investment Advisers](https://csimt.gov/event/12245/) - Succession planning is important to your compliance program and your business. This webinar will cover Montana's regulatory requirements, common deficiencies seen in exams, and tips for developing a compliant Succession Plan. We will also address the importance of a Succession Plan to your business and your clients, including the types of data and information you
- [Senior Fraud Summit](https://csimt.gov/event/senior-fraud-summit/) - The CSI will be presenting at the Senior Fraud Summit hosted by My Glacier Village. You will learn how to protect yourself against fraud and safeguard your finances.
- [Coffee with the Commissioner](https://csimt.gov/event/coffee-with-the-commissioner/) - Join Commissioner Brown and CSI staff for coffee and breakfast. You will have the opportunity to meet the team, learn about our agency and the initiatives we are working on.
- [Insurance Rates: Why are they increasing?](https://csimt.gov/event/insurance-rates-what-you-need-to-know/) - Register for this FREE webinar to learn about: - Tips for consumers - Reasons for insurance rate increases - The rates review process
- [Investment Advisor Symposium](https://csimt.gov/event/investment-advisor-symposium/) - Investment Advisors...save the date. The CSI Investment Adviser Symposium seeks to update Investment Advisers on examination trends, marketplace and regulatory developments, and other topics of interest to financial professionals. As Montana has not adopted IAR CE, there will not be credit available. However, following the presentations, our examiners will be available to meet with anyone
- [2024 CSI Insurance Summit](https://csimt.gov/event/2024-insurance-summit/) - Welcome to the 2024 CSI Insurance Summit! Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Copper King Convention Center, Ascend Hotel Collection. Connect with industry leaders, attend informative sessions, and network with fellow insurance professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights, share knowledge, and be part of the future of insurance. Register now and secure
- [2024 Investing in Montana Summit](https://csimt.gov/event/2024-investing-in-montana-summit/) - This will be an afternoon of learning about investment opportunities in our great state, from angel funds to public companies. You will hear first-hand success stories from Montana companies and develop an understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding capital formation. Remember, doing things the right way protects not only your interests but also the investors.
- [Defend Your Dollars Bingo–Kalispell](https://csimt.gov/event/defend-your-dollars-bingo-kalispell/) - Educating seniors to safeguard their finances. We will present on common investment scams, the importance of reporting fraud and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. After our presentation, we will play a game of bingo to see what you've learned.
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Deer Lodge](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-deer-lodge/) - 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.This presentation is free and open
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Kalispell](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-kalispell/) - 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. This event is FREE and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Libby](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-libby/) - 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. This event is FREE and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Thompson Falls](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-thompson-falls/) - 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. This event is FREE and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Missoula](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-missoula/) - 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. This event is FREE and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Hamilton](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-hamilton/) - 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. This event is FREE and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Dillon](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-dillon/) - 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.This event is FREE and open
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Butte](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-butte/) - 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.This event is FREE and open
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Anaconda](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-anaconda/) - 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.This event is FREE and open
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Conrad](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-conrad/) - 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. This event is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Townsend](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-townsend-2/) - 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. This event is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Townsend](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-townsend-2/) - 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. This event is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Western Tour–White Sulphur Springs](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-western-tour-white-sulphur-springs/) - 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. The presentation is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–White Sulphur Springs](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-townsend/) - 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. This presentation is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Helena](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-helena/) - 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. This event is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Harlowton](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-harlowton/) - 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. This event is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Great Falls](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-great-falls/) - 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. This presentation is free and
- [Protecting the Big Sky Tour–Bozeman](https://csimt.gov/event/protecting-the-big-sky-tour-bozeman/) - 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. This event is free and

## Views

- [Certificate of Surrender Service User View](https://csimt.gov/view/certificate-of-surrender-service-user-view/)
- [Certificate of Surrender Service - Submitted](https://csimt.gov/view/certificate-of-surrender-service-submitted/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://csimt.gov/category/uncategorized/)
- [Press Release](https://csimt.gov/category/press-release/)
- [Op Eds](https://csimt.gov/category/op-eds/)
- [Podcast](https://csimt.gov/category/podcast/)
- [Public Service Announcements](https://csimt.gov/category/public-service-announcments/)
- [News](https://csimt.gov/category/news/)
- [2021 News](https://csimt.gov/category/2021-news/)

## Event Categories

- [Securities Outreach](https://csimt.gov/calendar/category/securities-outreach/)
- [Insurance Outreach](https://csimt.gov/calendar/category/insurance-outreach/)
- [Summits & Conferences](https://csimt.gov/calendar/category/summits-conferences/)