Montana DLI Warns About Phishing Scam

news.dli.mt.gov

Published February 10th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is warning residents and businesses about a phishing scam using deceptive emails impersonating DLI officials. The notice advises recipients not to interact with suspicious emails and to verify communications through official DLI channels.

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What changed

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) has issued a warning regarding a phishing scam targeting residents and businesses through deceptive emails. These fraudulent emails impersonate DLI officials, often referencing "code enforcement notices" and requesting confirmation of received documents or the return of attachments. The scam emails utilize non-official domains and official-looking signatures to appear credible, posing a risk of malware installation, identity theft, or sensitive information exposure.

Regulated entities and consumers are advised not to reply to, click links within, or open attachments from these suspicious emails. They should delete the messages immediately and verify any alleged DLI Building Codes Program communication directly by calling the provided phone number or visiting the official DLI website. Reporting suspicious emails to the Office of Consumer Protection is also recommended. This notice serves as a general alert and does not impose new compliance obligations but emphasizes vigilance against cyber threats.

What to do next

Do not reply, click links, or open attachments in suspicious emails.
Delete suspicious emails immediately.
Verify any alleged DLI Building Codes Program communication directly through official DLI channels.

Source document (simplified)

DLI Warns Consumers About Email Phishing Scam

— February 10 2026 Emails Regarding “Code Enforcement” Are Not Legitimate

HELENA – The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is warning residents and businesses about a phishing scam in which fraudsters impersonate officials through deceptive emails, often appearing to come from a fictitious “Bridget Hawkins” or similar names, reference “code enforcement notices,” request confirmation of received documents, or urge recipients to sign and return attachments.

“We have received a number of reports from people across the state who have received these malicious emails over the last few days,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor & Industry. “We’re reminding Montanans to stay alert for email phishing scams. Cybercriminals often pose as trusted organizations to steal personal or financial information. When in doubt, don’t click and verify directly through our official channels.”

These emails use non-official domains (such as variations including “disseminare.com”) rather than legitimate @mt.gov or @dli.mt.gov addresses. They frequently include official-looking signatures, contact information, and logos to appear credible. Interacting with links or attachments risks installing malware, enabling identity theft, or exposing sensitive information.

This follows a common pattern of government impersonation phishing attempts seen nationwide. Recipients should:

Not reply, click links, or open attachments.
Delete the message immediately.
Verify any alleged DLI Building Codes Program communication directly by calling (406) 841-2056 or visiting the Montana Department of Labor & Industry website.
Report suspicious emails to the Office of Consumer Protection at (406) 444-4500, toll-free (800) 481-6896, or online at Office of Consumer Protection – Montana Department of Justice.