State Warns Montanans To Watch for Holiday Online Scams

On November 26, 2025 the Montana Department of Justice, based in Helena, released a statewide consumer safety advisory warning residents to expect an increase in online shopping scams tied to Black Friday, Cyber Monday and year end purchases. Attorney General Austin Knudsen led the outreach, emphasizing that scammers often exploit holiday urgency and increased volume of package deliveries to prey on shoppers.

The advisory laid out practical steps for reducing risk while shopping online. Residents were advised to verify sellers on social media before purchasing, to use a credit card for online transactions rather than wire transfers or gift card payments, and to treat unsolicited texts or emails about packages with caution before clicking on links. The guidance also warned against cashing unexpected checks and against pressure tactics that demand immediate payment. The advisory included contact details for the DOJ Office of Consumer Protection so Montanans can report suspected fraud.

For Lewis and Clark County shoppers the timing matters. Holiday spending concentrates transactions and increases the chance that a single bad purchase will cause meaningful financial harm to a household. Seniors, people who do not regularly shop online and residents without access to fraud detection tools are particularly vulnerable. Reports to the state office help investigators identify trends and build cases that can lead to consumer restitution and criminal enforcement, so timely reporting serves both individual recovery and public accountability.

Institutionally the advisory represents a routine but important exercise of the attorney general office s consumer protection mandate. Public education before peak shopping moments is a low cost intervention that can lower victimization rates and reduce the investigative burden on local law enforcement. County agencies, libraries and community centers can amplify the message by sharing the safety tips and by directing callers to the state consumer protection office for complaints.

Residents should verify sellers, use credit cards for online purchases when possible, avoid payments by wire or gift card, and treat unexpected communications about packages with suspicion. Suspected scams may be reported to the Montana Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection using the contact information provided in the advisory.