Consumer Protection Month Observed During April
As we observe Consumer Protection Month this April, it’s a critical time to shine a spotlight on the growing threat of fraud in Montana and the steps we can take to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones.
Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission paints a troubling picture of escalating fraud across the United States. In 2024, consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud — a 25 percent increase over the previous year. When accounting for underreporting, the FTC estimates actual fraud losses in 2024 may have reached approximately $196 billion. Older adults (ages 60 and older) were particularly hard-hit. They reported $2.4 billion in losses in 2024 — up fourfold from $600 million in 2020 — with high-value cases (over $100,000) driving much of the surge.
Closer to home, Montana residents were not spared. In 2024, the state saw $23.2 million in reported fraud losses, based on 6,622 complaints filed with the FTC — primarily driven by imposter scams and online shopping fraud.
These numbers tell only part of the story. Fraud disproportionately devastates older adults, who often suffer greater financial losses that are often never recouped. Many victims in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond cannot return to work to rebuild their savings, leading to profound emotional and financial hardship for them and their families.
Scammers are evolving rapidly, fueled by artificial intelligence. Deepfake videos and voice cloning make impostor scams more convincing, allowing criminals to impersonate government officials, family members, or trusted institutions.
The good news? Prevention works. We know that the best kind of consumer protection is the kind where the crime doesn’t find the victim in the first place — which means prevention is the key and awareness is a consumer’s best defense against becoming a victim.
That’s why AARP Montana is leading statewide efforts this April during Fraud Prevention Month to educate and empower Montanans. Through free events, workshops, shredding events, and fraud prevention webinars, residents can gain practical tools to spot and avoid scams. Find upcoming opportunities and register at aarp.org/MT.
AARP Montana is collaborating with local partners and community leaders to amplify awareness and build stronger protections for all residents. To reach even more Montanans, we are partnering with Northern Broadcasting, Montana’s largest radio network, to air targeted fraud prevention public service announcements throughout April.
