State Auditor Announces Nearly $1 Million Prevented in Fraud Losses
Just over four months into 2026, State Auditor James Brown and his team have helped to prevent nearly $1 million in fraud-related losses for Montanans.
As a result of Brown’s recently instituted agency performance initiative, the o_ce began tracking the amount of financial loss prevented through halted payments. To date, a staggering $946,294.99 in fraud losses have been prevented due to the diligent help of Montana’s financial industry partners.
This success can be attributed to Auditor Brown’s directive upon being sworn into o_ce to increase his agency’s fraud awareness outreach e rts. So far in 2026, these e rts directly engaged an estimated 880 Montana residents in communities throughout the Treasure State, from Scobey to Deer Lodge. Further, Auditor Brown has elevated fraud and abuse investigations to the top of the agency’s priority list.
“My o_ce is working harder than ever to not only pursue justice for victims of fraud and scams, but to prevent their financial losses in the first place. My goal as a public servant is to protect Montanans and their pocketbooks,” Brown said. “We are getting out in front of the issue by informing Montanans of the risks they face and letting them know that the agency is here to help if they do fall victim to bad actors. I make a promise to those who would do harm to my Montana neighbors: I will find, investigate, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Montana saw a significant increase in fraud and scam cases in 2025. Unfortunately, 2026 is looking to be far worse. The Auditor’s o_ce received 25 fraud complaints in the first quarter of 2026. This figure is up from 11 in the first quarter of 2025 and totals $3,338,869.59 in reported losses.
“The increase in reports coming in indicates greater awareness and willingness by Montanans to reach out to my o_ce to pursue restitution and justice. Fraud only flourishes in the dark. I am pleased to see more Montanans coming forward when they have been the victim or intended victim of a fraud scheme,” Brown said.
To learn more about Brown’s fraud prevention and prosecution e rts, Montanans can sign up for the CSI newsletter and review advisories at https://csimt.gov. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a scam or fraud, reach out to our o_ce at 406444-2040.
