Montana OCP Warns of Fake MVD Payment Text Scams

The Montana Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is alerting residents to fraudulent text messages impersonating the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Scammers are using these fake texts to solicit payments for fines and tickets, threatening increased fees and registration suspension.

Man Sentenced to 300 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that Jami Leslie James was sentenced to 300 years in prison for sexually abusing three children. James, a former hockey coach, will not be eligible for parole for 60 years and was designated a Tier 3 sex offender.

Montana AG Statement on TikTok Lawsuit Dismissal

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement on the joint dismissal of the lawsuit challenging the state's TikTok ban. The dismissal ends years of litigation and is presented as a victory for consumer privacy and national security against foreign adversaries.

Montana AG settles with Vanguard for $29.5M over coal market practices

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced a $29.5 million settlement with The Vanguard Group for alleged anticompetitive practices in the coal market. Vanguard agreed not to use its shareholdings to direct portfolio companies' business strategies or threaten them over ESG goals.

Montana Elder Justice Unit Secures First Exploitation Conviction

The Montana Attorney General's Elder Justice Unit secured its first conviction and sentence for financial exploitation of seniors. A Big Horn County woman received a 10-year deferred sentence and was ordered to pay over $100,000 in restitution for exploiting her mother and stepfather.

Financial Advisor Sentenced for Theft and Securities Fraud

The Maryland Attorney General announced the sentencing of Andrew Joseph Egber, a former financial advisor, to 18 months in jail for felony theft, securities fraud, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Egber defrauded five investors out of over $545,000 through a fraudulent real estate investment scheme.

Maryland AG settles with LifeBridge Health for $1.98M restitution

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a settlement with LifeBridge Health, Inc. for $1,985,198.90 in restitution to patients. The settlement addresses concerns regarding outpatient facility fees charged prior to July 1, 2021, before the Facility Fee Right-to-Know Act took effect.

Maryland Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $185k from Employers

Carolyn Rae Aldridge pleaded guilty to two felony theft schemes, stealing a combined $185,296.28 from two Maryland employers between 2017 and 2021. She stole over 100 checks from ABC Builders and 13 checks from the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. Sentencing is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Maryland AG Consumer Alert: Super Bowl Scam Warning

The Maryland Attorney General has issued a consumer alert warning residents about potential scams related to the Super Bowl. The alert advises consumers to be wary of illegal betting sites, fake prize notifications, counterfeit merchandise, and sketchy streaming links, urging them to use licensed operators and official retailers.

Maryland AG Sues OneMain Financial for Hidden Fees

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, joined by 12 other state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against OneMain Financial, Inc. The suit alleges that OneMain engaged in a bait-and-switch lending scheme, charging consumers nationwide hundreds of millions of dollars in unlawful hidden fees and interest through add-on products.