Idaho Credit Unions Will Help Inform Governor’s Financial Fraud Working Group

Posted by Zach Forster on November 4, 2026

Financial fraud is taking a growing toll on Idaho credit union members, their families, and communities across the state, and a new statewide effort announced by Governor Brad Little represents an important step toward strengthening Idaho’s response and better protecting all Idahoans.

Governor Little has directed Idaho Department of Finance Director Salvador Cruz to convene the Governor’s Financial Fraud Working Group on Nov. 17. The group, which will be led by Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Attorney John Shirts, and Director Cruz, will bring together representatives from law enforcement, prosecutors, banks and credit unions, senior advocates, state agencies, and the legislature.

Credit unions will have a role in the working group, bringing their experience serving members, identifying suspicious activity, supporting fraud victims, and helping communities understand emerging scams. Their participation will be important as the group considers ways to improve coordination, make use of existing state authorities, and determine whether additional legislation or resources are needed.

“Financial fraud is a growing threat to Idaho families, and we need to make sure our systems are equipped to respond. We want to identify gaps in our current approach and determine what practical steps Idaho can take to better protect our citizens, and especially older Idahoans,” Governor Little said in the release.

The need for action is clear. Idahoans reported $88.7 million in fraud losses to the FBI in 2025, a 75-percent increase from 2023. Losses reported by Idahoans aged 60 and older more than doubled from 2024 to 2025, reaching $37.4 million, and older Idahoans accounted for 42 percent of reported fraud losses statewide last year.

Today, Idaho has no central repository for fraud reports and no statewide unit dedicated to investigating financial crime. Victims may turn to the FBI, local law enforcement, financial institutions, Adult Protective Services, or other organizations. Investigations and prosecutions are generally handled locally, while some cases are pursued by federal agencies.

The working group will provide its findings to the governor ahead of the 2027 legislative session, including options for statewide fraud reporting, coordinated investigation and prosecution, and potential changes in law or resources.

More information about the effort—and opportunities for credit union engagement—will be forthcoming. This is an important initiative for Idaho credit unions and the members and communities they serve, as well as for every Idahoan affected by the rising financial and personal costs of fraud.

Posted in Advocacy, Idaho, Leadership, Top Headlines.