Idaho Office of the Attorney General

NEWS: My office is cracking down on HOAs charging illegal fees to Idaho homeowners.

Idaho families work hard to buy a home, and they deserve to know every cost before they sign. Hidden fees collected without legal authority violate Idaho law, and we will hold HOAs and the companies that manage them accountable if they break that law.

⚠️ Scam Alert: Fake DMV Texts

Many people are receiving text messages claiming they owe money for an unpaid traffic citation and must pay immediately.

These messages are scams.

Red flags include:
• International phone numbers
• Threats about license or registration suspension
• Links asking for immediate payment
🚫 Do not click the link.
🚫 Do not reply.

Delete the message and report it.

Please share to help warn others.

⚠️ Tax season = scam season.

Scammers may pose as the IRS or promise bigger refunds if you click a link or share personal information. The IRS will not contact you through social media, text, or email to demand payment or ask for sensitive information.

Protect yourself: ignore unexpected messages and report suspicious activity.

Protect yourself online by using strong, unique passwords, watching for phishing emails, and never sharing personal information with someone you don’t trust.

If something feels off online, trust your gut — and slow down
before you click. 💻⚠️

💔🚩 If they ask for money, it’s a no. 🚩💔

Met someone online who says they’re your soulmate… but now they need money for
✈️ a plane ticket
🏥 a medical emergency
💼 a “business opportunity”
🎁 gift cards or crypto

That’s not romance. That’s a scam.
This Valentine’s Day, protect your heart and your wallet.
Break up with scammers.

Remember: it’s not you — it’s them.

➡️ReportScamsIdaho.com

🚫 Real authorities do not:
• demand payment by phone
• threaten arrest or detention
• accept gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers

🛍️ Thinking about returning a recent purchase?

Before you do, swipe through for a few things every consumer should check first. 👀

Many retailers have shortened return windows or added fees—especially after the holidays. Knowing the policy before you buy (or return) can save you time, money, and frustration.

If a business doesn’t follow its posted return policy, you may have options.

Learn where to report issues: 👉 reportscamsidaho.com

Seeing messages about federal or state stimulus checks? Be careful.

Scammers are impersonating IRS and state agencies to trick people into clicking links and sharing sensitive information.
🚫 No texts.
🚫 No emails.
🚫 No social media messages.

When in doubt, go directly to official government websites — never through a link.

The holiday season is in full swing—and so are scammers. As December comes to a close, remember that this month marks Identity Theft & Protection Awareness Month. Stay mindful when shopping online: stick to secure websites, avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases, and be cautious about saving payment information on unfamiliar platforms.

Let’s help keep Idaho consumers protected and their identities merry and bright all season long.

📢 Not sure where to report a scam or unwanted call? We can help.

Our office created a new website designed to guide Idahoans on where to report different types of fraud, scams, and suspicious messages.

Visit ReportScamsIdaho.com to quickly find the right agency or resource for your situation.

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your community.

🚨 Identity Theft Is On the Rise
This month, we’re encouraging Idahoans to watch for red flags:
• Unexpected bills
• Denied credit
• Strange account activity
• Notifications you didn’t request

If anything looks off, take action right away: place a fraud alert, contact your bank, and report it through IdentityTheft.gov. Your information deserves protection.