Patricia Perkins, Director of the Idaho Department of Finance, is warning consumers to look closely at incoming mail that may appear to be correspondence from regulated consumer lenders but are really third-party advertisements or even scams.

The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) urges Idaho consumers to exercise heightened caution when purchasing cars, recreational vehicles, farm equipment, and other high-dollar items online. IDOF recently received several reports from victims of online purchase scams that risked losing thousands of dollars due to being lured into purchasing from a phony website or fake ads in various online marketplaces.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, the Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) reminds financial professionals and the public that financial exploitation of seniors is a pressing issue for all Idahoans.