Fraud doesn’t just “happen to other people.” The Idaho Press recently covered a community forum on fraud and identity theft held at Boise’s JUMP building that brought together the FTC, state and local partners, legal experts, and consumer advocates to talk about how scams are evolving and why so many people are getting hit. 

One of the most important takeaways: fraud is often effective because it’s engineered to create urgency where an individual acts immediately without taking the time to verify. Whether it’s a fake “bank alert,” a spoofed government call, or a convincing online marketplace scheme, the red flags tend to repeat. 

ILAS Deputy Director Sunrise Ayers participated in the forum panel to reinforce what we see every day, including how scam fallout can spiral into other legal problems. If you suspect you’ve been targeted, save what you can (screenshots, texts, emails, receipts), avoid further contact, and get trustworthy guidance before signing anything or agreeing to repayment plans. 

Attribution/Source: Idaho Press (Teddy Feinberg), “Forum: Fraud runs deep in Idaho. What are the warning signs, and who are the victims?” published April 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. Read the original reporting (external link).