A made-in-Montana documentary about investment fraud will be screened in Kalispell on Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Red Lion Hotel. 

The documentary, “Gold Diggers: Investment Fraud in the Treasure State,” tells the story of two of Montana’s most notable recent investment scams.

 The event will start at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and attendees are encouraged to make reservations by calling 1-800-332-6148.

The film is being brought to Kalispell by Monica Lindeen, the state commissioner of securities and insurance who is running for re-election this year.

“More than a hundred years ago, prospectors flocked to what we now call the Treasure State in search of fortunes,” Lindeen said in a news release. “You don’t see many prospectors around Montana these days, but the drive to get rich quick lives on in scammers and con artists. Montana’s modern-day gold diggers can steal a life’s savings in the blink of an eye.”

“Gold Diggers” tracks Arthur Heffelfinger’s Ponzi scheme in Helena and Anne Marie Schlenker’s investment scam in Bozeman. 

Combined, the two scams robbed dozens of Montana investors of more than $3 million.

The film features interviews with victims, securities experts, and the regulators and attorneys who investigated and prosecuted the two scams.

Lindeen is taking the documentary tour across the state as part of her office’s  effort to help Montana investors understand securities fraud and steer clear of scams.

A free dinner will be provided with the Kalispell screening. After the movie, attendees will be able to ask questions and learn more about avoiding investment fraud.

“Education is the silver bullet when it comes to fighting fraud,” Lindeen said. “The more you know about your rights and where you can turn for help, the less likely you are to be taken by a modern-day gold digger.”

Lindeen’s office produced “Gold Diggers” with a grant from the Investor Protection Trust, a national educational nonprofit that helps consumers make informed investment decisions. The grant also pays taking the documentary across Montana.

To learn more about “Gold Diggers: Investment Fraud in the Treasure State,” visit the commissioner’s website at csi.mt.gov/GoldDiggers. To report suspicious activity or fraud, call the commissioner’s office at 1-800-332-6148.