Local Scam and Fraud Awareness Workshop
Author: Mary Ellen Schnur
Mary Ellen Schnur A small crowd attended the Fraud and Scam presentation in the community room on January 12. Sponsored by Broadwater County Farm Bureau, the purpose of the meeting was to educate people on how to protect themselves, their families, and their money and property from theft by deceit or trickery, known as fraud or scamming. It is notable that every person in the room had been touched by this issue, either by telephone or internet or mail. Most had dismissed the contacts as not trustworthy, but some had been deceived into making contributions to false causes. This article will summarize the presentation by the Office of Consumer Protection.
Michael Hoffman, from the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), described the functions of his agency, which is under the Department of Justice. OCP handles consumer complaints through informal mediation and can press prosecution. The subjects with which OCP is charged include data breaches, telemarketer registration (yes, telemarketers are supposed to register with the state), debt management and settlement licensing, unauthorized practice of law, tow truck disputes, above-ground utility disputes, and contractor disputes. OCP also maintains the End of Life Registry, where people can register their 5 Wishes, POLST, or living will documentation.
Actions by OCP have saved some $750,000 in prevented scam attempts last year. Potentially known scam attempts to OCP amounted to $2.1 million. OCP resolved 1400 complaints against businesses, recovering $923,000 last year.
Common complaints involved private contractors, vehicle sales, medical billing, collections, internet service, and cell phones.
The first advice OCP gives is “shop local, bank local.” Deal with businesses you know, and who know you. When you contract for services, get the contract in writing. Be sure there is an end date for the completion of the contract. Be sure to check for local references. Do not pay a full amount until the work is completed. Use a 2-factor ID for bank cards and credit cards. To protect the title to your property, you can file a “No Intent to Sell” document with the county.
If you do business via the internet, be sure the business is legitimate. Again, check for references. Contact Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, or state licensing agencies. Verify the location of the business via Google Earth! Mr. Hoffman mentioned that a common fraud committed against farmers and contractors is the sale of used equipment via the internet. The beautiful used machine pictured on the internet does not materialize after the purchaser sends a wire transfer. DO NOT send wire transfers!
Report identity theft/credit card fraud to local law enforcement as well as OCP. If you have willingly given personal information, it isn’t likely your money will be recovered, although with enough information, the scammers may be stopped and eventually prosecuted. OCP is tracking scams by county for this reason. In disputes with internet service and cell phone providers, the best way to cancel is by certified mail.
If it sounds too wonderful to be true, it probably is! You did NOT win a foreign lottery! They are illegal. IF you win a sweepstakes, the sweepstakes prize will be delivered to you in person at your location. You will not have to go anywhere to give anyone a fee to claim a sweepstakes prize.
IF you receive a phone call asking for gift card payments or cryptocurrency payments, HANG UP! These are never legitimate. There are crypto machines, like ATM machines, located in numerous places in Montana. DO NOT put your cash money in them to send crypto payment to solicitors.
If you have a business contract dispute or believe you have been scammed, contact OCP at 1-406-444-4500 immediately. The staff there will immediately respond to your concern and begin work to assist you toward a resolution.
