Insights by IDOF SB Studios

In episode ten of Insights, Securities Bureau chief John Yaros sits down with Joe Saar from Chainalysis to do a deep dive into what pig butchering scams are and how the public can recognize the potential warning signs for this growing type of investment scheme. This episode will offer vital information on how consumers can better protect themselves from the increasing threat pig butchering poses.

In episode nine, Consumer Finance Bureau Chief Erin Van Engelen sits down with Michelle Guthand Tyler Porter to dive into tips geared towards Navigating the Barriers to First TimeHomebuying and how to purchase a home successfully. The guests featured in this episode areexperts in the mortgage industry, representing one current and one past member of the IdahoMortgage Advisory Board. They will offer tips for First Time Buyers, including but not limited todownpayment myth busters, checking your credit, knowing your budget, seeking advice,focusing on long-term goals, and understanding rates.

In episode eight Consumer Finance Bureau Chief Erin Van Engelen talks with Tom Nate, Supervisor of the Regulated Lender Program, about Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans. The number of consumers utilizing BNPL has steadily increased, and this model continues to expand in the mainstream marketplace. Learn about the key components of BNPL agreements, how they differ from more traditional financing options, and potential benefits and drawbacks to consider.

In episode seven special guest Superintendent Intendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield joins Consumer Finance Bureau Chief Erin Van Engelen and Securities Bureau Chief John Yaros to talk through the highlights and practical applications of newly adopted legislation requiring financial literacy for Idaho students.

In episode six, Securities Bureau Chief John Yaros sits down with Carole House, former Director of Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation at the White House’s National Security Council, to dive into the growing threat of Account Takeover Fraud; a type of cybercrime that most commonly occurs as a result of compromised passwords, login credentials for financial accounts, etc. Learn about the evolution and prominence of this threat and how to effectively mitigate your risk through cyber hygiene and account monitoring, and what to do in the event of an account takeover. 

In episode five, Consumer Finance Bureau Chief Erin Van Engelen and Deputy Director Anthony Polidori discuss the basic financial practices that young adults, and those who support them, can begin implementing to ease the transition to financial independence.