A Legacy of Service: Alex Ward's Fight Against Fraud in Montana

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Alex Ward, a dedicated Billings resident and retired police officer, has made it his mission to protect vulnerable individuals from fraud. With a background in law enforcement and a passion for community service, Ward has become a prominent advocate for consumer protection, particularly for older Montanans who are often targeted by scammers.

In 2014, with the support of an $8,500 federal grant, Ward launched a series of educational seminars aimed at teaching nearly 1,000 Montanans how to recognize and prevent investment fraud. His approach emphasizes the emotional tactics used by fraudsters, urging attendees to think logically and critically when approached with investment opportunities. “If something smells fishy or seems too good to be true, it probably is,” he advises. His seminars, which feature experts from various sectors, have been instrumental in turning potential victims into informed consumers.

As part of his ongoing fight against fraud and identity theft, Al Ward collaborated with Montana radio broadcasting powerhouse, Northern Broadcasting, to protect Montanans from fraud and scams. Al Ward served as a co-host of the Fraud Watch Friday radio program on the statewide Voices of Montana show for a number of years.

Ward's commitment to consumer education has not gone unnoticed. He received the Montana Consumer Investor Protection Award in 2014 for his tireless efforts, with then-Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Monica Lindeen, praising his energy and dedication. “Al brings boundless energy and his own enormous talents to the important work of investor education,” she stated.

In addition to his fraud prevention work, Ward was honored with the prestigious AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in 2013, recognizing his significant contributions to society and then again in 2022 receiving AARP’s Lifetime Achievement award. His volunteer work with AARP began in 2009, where he has taken on leadership roles in advocacy and consumer protection. His extensive experience includes teaching over 700 classes on crime prevention and consumer protection, making a lasting impact on communities across Montana.

Ward's service to his country began in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by a 25-year career as a police officer in Bellevue, Washington. He also served in and retired from the U.S. Coast Guard. He then worked for AARP for 11 years focusing on fraud prevention and American Indian outreach, retiring in 2008. Al has held various volunteer leadership positions in organizations dedicated to public service, including the Governor’s Council on Aging and the Montana Crime Prevention Council.

In 2015, Ward was appointed as the volunteer State President of AARP Montana, a role that allows him to further influence the organization’s mission and advocate for the needs of older adults. “This appointment represents a culmination of my work in public service,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Montanans as they age. Ward held the State President position until 2022.

With a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s in Political Science, Ward combines his academic background with practical experience to educate and empower others. His work continues to inspire many, proving that one individual can indeed make a significant difference in the lives of others. As he reflects on his journey, Ward finds fulfillment in witnessing the “aha” moments of those he educates, knowing that he is helping to safeguard his community against the ever-evolving landscape of fraud.