FBI Reports $53 Million Loss in Montana Due to Cryptocurrency-Driven Cyber Crime
The FBI has reported that Montanans lost a record $53 million to cyber crime in 2025, driven largely by cryptocurrency-related fraud. According to FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jeff Collins, there has been a drastic increase in scams involving cryptocurrency investments, with criminals convincing individuals to invest in fraudulent schemes. The Internet Crime and Complaint Center (IC3) noted that while phishing was the most common complaint, cryptocurrency fraud accounted for over $11 billion in losses nationwide. In Montana, cyber crime losses have quintupled since 2021, with investment scams being particularly costly. The state's older residents, especially those over 60, are the most vulnerable, often targeted due to their retirement savings. The Montana Department of Justice has highlighted the significant impact of these scams, with the state auditor's office receiving numerous fraud complaints. The rise in cyber crime is part of a broader national trend, with ransomware attacks also increasing, parti... 
