What does the Idaho Scam Jam Alliance do?
The ISJA educates Idahoans through events called Scam Jams. These interactive conferences are held in communities throughout Idaho and feature presentations by national, regional, and local fraud experts. Scam Jam participants also receive literature and other materials to share with friends and family to help them identify fraud and protect against victimization.
The ISJA believes problems are solved when people start talking. By having conversations at the community and local level, people are better able to spot and avoid scams. Scam Jams are important because con artists have several ways of stealing hard-earned money, including government imposter scams, phishing scams, tech-support scams, gold coin scams, oil and gas scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams, grandparent scams, and many more. Although their methods are different, research shows that the tactics scammers use are the same.
How are we different from other fraud prevention organizations?
The Idaho Scam Jam Alliance is composed of government agencies and non-profit organizations whose talents and expertise have broad statewide impact. Bringing these groups together in a singularly focused effort to protect Idahoans from fraud allows us to reach Idahoans no matter where they live.
Our funding
The ISJA is funded by the member organizations. The ISJA does not, nor will ever, charge for events or seek to make a profit. ISJA events do not allow marketing by sponsors or vendors at any event.
How big of a problem is fraud?
In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 3.6 million fraud and identity theft complaints from Americans. Victims reported losing $3.3 billion to fraud with Idahoans suffering losses of $10 million.
These numbers represent only those who filed complaints with the FTC. Actual victims and losses may be much higher. Many fraud victims do not report these crimes due to embarrassment or shame.