Boise, Idaho… The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) urges the public to be aware of a recently reported scam targeting small business owners. Scammers impersonating various law enforcement agencies are contacting business owners claiming they are being investigated for fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, regardless of whether or not they have been repaid or forgiven.

The Idaho Department of Finance (the “Department”) joined twenty-four other state financial regulatory agencies in taking collective action against Plutus Financial, Inc., Abra Trading, LLC, Plutus Financial Holdings, Inc., Plutus Lending, LLC (collectively known as “Abra”), and CEO and largest equity owner William “Bill” Barhydt for operating a cryptocurrency company without receiving the required state licensing.

Alternative Investments are investments such as art, collectibles, real estate, private equity, venture capital, and commodities that do not fall into traditional categories such as stocks, bonds, or cash.