Montanans Targeted by New Wave of Sophisticated Phone Scams

If you’ve noticed more unknown numbers popping up on your phone lately, you’re not alone. Scammers have stepped up their game, using clever tricks and convincing stories to get Montanans to hand over money or personal information. While phone scams aren’t new, the methods these fraudsters are using are getting harder to spot and easier to fall for.

Small Business Owners Are the Latest Targets

If you run a small business here in Montana, pay close attention to those so-called “official” calls about your online listings. One of the latest scams involves people pretending to be from Google or Yelp, claiming your business page will be taken down unless you pay an immediate fee. These callers can sound legitimate, they may even know your business name or address, but don’t take the bait.

Google and Yelp will never demand payment over the phone to keep your business listed. If you get one of these calls, hang up and visit the real Google Business or Yelp website directly to check your account.

Medicare Scammers Are Targeting Montana Seniors

Another troubling scam making its way through Montana involves Medicare. With open enrollment in full swing, scammers are calling seniors and pretending to be government officials. They often “spoof” real phone numbers, making it look like the call is from Medicare or another trusted agency. Then they’ll ask for personal details like your Social Security or Medicare card number. The safest move? Hang up.

If you have questions about your benefits, call 1-800-MEDICARE directly or speak to a local representative. Real government agencies will never pressure you to give out personal information over the phone.

Beware of Debt “Help” That’s Too Good to Be True

Money is tight for a lot of families right now, and scammers know it. The Federal Communications Commission says calls promising to “reduce or consolidate your debt” are becoming more common. These fraudsters claim they can negotiate with creditors or boost your credit score for an upfront fee, but most of the time, the only thing they deliver is a lighter wallet. If you get one of these calls, don’t hand over any financial info. Instead, contact your bank or creditors directly to discuss real options for managing your debt.

How Montanans Can Protect Themselves

Staying one step ahead of scammers takes vigilance. Never give out your Social Security number, banking info, or Medicare details over the phone unless you made the call to a verified number. If a caller sounds threatening or too eager for quick payment, that’s your cue to hang up.

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Report any suspicious calls to the Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection and remind your friends and family to stay alert. The more we talk about these scams, the harder it becomes for the bad guys to win.

Scam Warning: Never Answer These Area Codes

These 7 area codes are most often associated with the 1-ring scam according to Cheapism, so it's best to just avoid answering their calls.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

6 Of The Most Common Scams Affecting Montanans

Thanks to the Montana Department of Revenue we know these 6 scams are what Montana residents will have to deal with most commonly. Knowing these scams will help protect you and your identity.