New Data Shows Fraud Impact in Montana — AARP Responds with free shred days, fraud workshops and real protection strategies this April

Billings Shred Event: 

📅 Date: Thursday, 4/30/2026

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

📍 Location: The UPS Store, 2212 Grant Road, Billings MT 59102

👉 Register here >> View Details

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Fraud in Montana: The Latest Numbers

• Total reported fraud losses: $23.2 million
• Number of reports filed: 6,622
• Top reported scams:
  • Imposter Scams
  • Online Shopping Scams
  • Prize, sweepstakes and Lottery Scams

As Consumer Protection Month in April highlights the importance of staying vigilant, emerging scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the rise of artificial intelligence. AI-powered fraud, including deepfake videos and voice cloning, is enabling impostor scams where criminals convincingly impersonate government officials, family members, or trusted entities to extract money or personal information—contributing to billions in annual losses reported by the FTC. 

These trends underscore why AARP Montana encourages you to verify unsolicited contacts independently and never send money or give personal information in response to urgent requests. Remember these two words to help you avoid fraud and scams: Stop and Drop. Stop and ask yourself “could this be a scam?” and then drop all contact with the suspected scammer. Click here for a downloadable Stop and Drop handout.

If you think you’re a victim of a scam or fraud, contact Montana authorities. Download a contact sheet here for consumer protection agencies in Montana.

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Community Leaders Join the Effort

AARP is partnering with local partners and leaders to raise awareness and help protect residents.

AARP Montana has submitted a proclamation to the City of Helena declaring April 2026 as Fraud Prevention Month and encourages all residents of Helena to learn the red flags of scams and to support community and advocacy efforts that help prevent scams, protect consumers, and assist fraud victims. 

Additionally, throughout the month of April, AARP Montana is partnering with Northern Broadcasting to bring public service announcements to radio listeners statewide. The PSAs deliver practical tips and advice about how Montanans can protect themselves against fraud and scams.  Northern Broadcasting is the largest radio network in Montana with over 45 stations across the state.

By bringing together trusted local voices, AARP reinforces its commitment to serving and protecting the community.

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Nationwide Events You Can Join from Anywhere

In addition to local programming, AARP is hosting several free virtual events.

Identify Fraud: What You Need to Know
Identity fraud is rising, but you can fight back! Get expert tips and ask your questions live during this upbeat virtual session.
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. MT
View Details

Real Solutions: Protecting Yourself from Fraud
Seeing more scams and unsure what to watch for? We’re hosting a nationwide tele-town hall to talk through common red flags and simple, practical solutions. Spanish-language access available.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 
Time: 11 – Noon ET
View Details

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AARP Advocacy: Protecting Consumers from Crypto Kiosk Fraud

In addition to in-person and virtual events, AARP is advocating for policy solutions to protect consumers from crypto kiosk fraud — one of the fastest-growing scam tactics in the country.

Criminals increasingly direct victims to cryptocurrency kiosks (sometimes called Bitcoin ATMs), where money can be transferred quickly and is often difficult to recover.

AARP is addressing this issue from multiple angles:

• Empowering people with information about crypto kiosk scams and what to do if they are targeted
• Urging policymakers to establish practical safeguards for consumers
• Supporting fraud victims through the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline and fraud victim support program 

In Montana, AARP will support legislation in the next session to help protect consumers.

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Why This Matters

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting consumers. While adults 50-plus are frequently targeted, fraud affects every generation.

AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all to help you proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

Fraud Prevention Month helps ensure that every Montanan has access to reliable information and trusted resources.

“Fraud prevention is about action,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director.

“When AARP shows up in communities with trusted tools and local events, we’re helping neighbors protect themselves and each other.”

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Take Action:

Attend a local event. Join virtually. Share what you learn with friends and family. Protect yourself — and your community. Learn more: aarp.org/FraudSafety.

Join the fight against fraud—from anywhere. Become an AARP Digital Fraud Fighter and help your friends and family spot and avoid scams.

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More Resources

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline: Get guidance from trained fraud specialists: Call 877-908-3360 Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. MT.

Subscribe to Watchdog Alerts: Stay on top of the latest scams by subscribing to AARP's free bi-weekly newsletter by email and text. 

AARP Scam-Tracking Map: See scams occurring near you or report one if you’ve been targeted. 

E-Learning — Effective Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams: This free course explains how to spot warning signs, disengage from scammers and take action if you're a target. 

AARP Montana Fraud Watch site with state-specific contacts and resources.