Idaho: Gov. Little launches effort to fight financial fraud

Boise, Idaho ~ Idaho Gov. Brad Little has directed Department of Finance Director Salvador Cruz to convene a statewide working group to assess how the state can strengthen its response to financial fraud.

The Governor's Financial Fraud Working Group will meet Nov. 17 and be led by Cruz, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke and newly appointed U.S. Attorney John Shirts. Its members will include law enforcement officials, prosecutors, financial institutions, senior advocates, state agencies and legislators.

The group will consider whether Idaho should establish a more coordinated approach to financial fraud, including a statewide system for collecting reports and a coordinated model for investigating and prosecuting cases. It will also examine how agencies can better work together, whether existing state authorities could be used more effectively, and whether additional legislation or resources are needed.

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Little said the group would identify gaps in the state's current response and consider practical steps to protect residents, particularly older Idahoans.

According to the announcement, Idahoans reported $88.7 million in fraud losses to the FBI in 2025, a 75% increase from 2023. Reported losses among residents aged 60 and older more than doubled from 2024 to 2025, reaching $37.4 million. That group accounted for 42% of the state's reported fraud losses last year.

Idaho has no central repository for fraud reports and no statewide unit dedicated to investigating financial crime, the announcement said. Victims may report incidents to the FBI, local law enforcement, financial institutions, Adult Protective Services or other organizations. Local law enforcement and county prosecutors generally handle investigations and prosecutions, while federal agencies pursue some cases.

The working group's findings are expected to be delivered to Little ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The assessment will outline options for statewide reporting, possible models for coordinated investigations and prosecutions, and any changes to laws or resources that may be needed.

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