Category: Press Releases

Protect Your Financial Accounts: Evolving Imposter Scams Use New Tricks to Gain Access

The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) is alerting consumers to alarming new tactics reported in increasingly sophisticated imposter scams, wherein scammers disguise themselves as romantic connections, potential employers, or investment professionals, tricking victims into linking financial accounts and initiating an electronic request to transfer funds. Imposter scams and similar schemes result in significant financial losses. By understanding how they are evolving, consumers are better situated to recognize warning signs and avoid falling victim.

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Third Annual Senior Fraud & Financial Exploitation Prevention Roadshow Locations & Partners Announced

The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) is excited to announce its third annual Senior Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention Roadshow Series. This statewide initiative brings free educational events to Idaho seniors, adult family members, and caregivers, and provides key tools and resources to prevent, recognize, and report financial crimes targeting older and vulnerable adults.

The 2025 Roadshow will once again feature in-person presentations with a strong lineup of speakers from the IDOF, Idaho Commission on Aging, AARP, Idaho Attorney General’s Office, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Cyber Idaho, and the University of Idaho’s Digital Economy Program. These organizations will share critical information, real-life scenarios, prevention strategies, and connect attendees to state and community resources dedicated to protecting Idahoans from fraud and financial exploitation in Idaho. Each event will include a meet-and-greet opportunity with presenters, light refreshments, and booths offering free educational materials. Registration is strongly encouraged and available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/fraud-and-senior-financial-exploitation-prevention-3398219

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Idaho Department of Finance Partners with Idaho Scam Jam Alliance for Fall Events

The Idaho Department of Finance, in partnership with the Idaho Scam Jam Alliance, is excited to announce a series of in-person and virtual educational events to help Idahoans learn how to prevent, identify, and report financial fraud and scams.


Virtual Scam Jam Events take place on September 10th and 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. These virtual events will offer expert speakers from the Idaho Department of Finance, AARP, Idaho Attorney General’s Office, Boise PD, FTC, and more who will speak on the sophisticated tactics con-artists are using while providing the tools and resources needed to identify and report scams. The virtual presentations are designed to be interactive, encouraging attendee participation, questions, and comments. Register online at https://events.aarp.org/IDVirtualScamJam25 or call 877-926-8300. Both days will offer a diverse mix of valuable topics and speakers.

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Inaugural “North Idaho Women and Their Money Conference” June 9th in Coeur d’Alene.

The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) is thrilled to announce its support of the inaugural North Idaho Women and Their Money Conference taking place on Monday, June 9th, 2025, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the campus of North Idaho College. This free, day-long conference is designed to empower women by strengthening their financial literacy and confidence to build a solid financial future.

“The Idaho Department of Finance is proud to support the North Idaho Women and Their Money Conference. This important inaugural event provides a valuable opportunity to reach more women across the state to build financial knowledge, strengthen financial literacy, and gain confidence in managing finances,” said Director Patti Perkins of the Idaho Department of Finance.

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Financial Literacy Tip of the Week Financing Home Improvements: Considerations for Consumers

As the seasons change and warm weather approaches, many homeowners consider moving forward with home improvement projects. This may be especially true for those with low interest rates, who opt to stay in their homes longer and seek avenues to upgrade their living spaces. Home improvement projects can be complex and may involve long-term financial commitments. Taking proactive steps, such as researching financing options and their implications, and becoming familiar with other important considerations, can help homeowners make more informed decisions and avoid common pain points associated with financing home improvements.

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Financial Literacy Month “Tip of the Week” – Understanding Debt Settlement & Credit Repair Companies

Managing debt and credit can be overwhelming, particularly when left untouched. Debt settlement and credit repair companies have long been part of the financial landscape, but understanding what they do, how to interact with them, and how they are regulated in Idaho is crucial for making informed financial decisions and maintaining healthy financial standings.

What Do These Companies Do?

Debt Settlement Companies work with creditors on behalf of consumers to reduce the amount owed on unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills, tax debt, or personal loans. However, debt settlement doesn’t apply to secured debt like a mortgage or auto loan.
Credit Repair Companies offer services to help consumers address negative items on their credit reports by disputing inaccurate information with consumer reporting agencies, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

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Idaho State Treasurer Proclaims April Financial Literacy Month

April is officially designated as Financial Literacy Month, thanks to the proclamation by Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, with strong support from the Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) and the Idaho Financial Literacy Coalition (IFLC). This annual observance emphasizes the importance of early financial education in fostering positive financial habits.

“We recognize the importance of helping Idaho’s youth develop a financial compass to navigate successfully into adulthood and make financially responsible decisions that will yield benefits for years to come,” said Director Patti Perkins.

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Department of Finance partners with Idaho Scam Jam Alliance for Events

The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF), in partnership with the Idaho Scam Jam Alliance (ISJA), is excited to announce three community events to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of financial scams and provide essential prevention tips. The first event will occur at the Meridian Senior Center on September 4th from 6 pm- 8 pm, followed by the Weiser Vendome on September 5th from 11 am – 1 pm, and conclude with the Nampa Library on September 18th from 11 am- 1 pm.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of experts representing local law enforcement, various state government agencies, and other non-profit organizations on the front lines of consumer protection, as well as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These speakers, with their extensive experience and knowledge, will discuss some of the latest scam tactics and trends, tips to identify and avoid a scam, provide practical tips to protect personal information, and share resources to report and recover from scams. Light refreshments, swag, and door prizes will be available. Registration is not required, but to accommodate capacity limits, attendance will be on a first-come first-serve basis.

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Idaho Department of Finance

Senior Fraud & Financial Exploitation Prevention Working Group

The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) and Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) are announcing the creation of a joint Senior Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention Working Group (SFFEP) comprised of financial and senior protection experts to provide recommendations for potential policies, frameworks, and solutions that can help better protect Idaho’s senior community from financial crime.

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