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Scam Free COS

Business & Investment Fraud

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Business and investment fraud encompasses schemes in which scammers deceive individuals or organizations for financial gain. Common tactics include fake investment opportunities, Ponzi schemes, and fraudulent business ventures promising high returns with little or no risk. These scams often exploit trust and use sophisticated techniques to appear credible, making them especially dangerous. Victims are frequently left with substantial financial losses. Staying informed and exercising caution—especially with unsolicited offers that seem “too good to be true”—is critical to avoiding these schemes.

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

Local

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

State

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

  • Commodity Futures Trading Commission

  • Securities and Exchange Commission

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center 

Federal

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) 

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

  • National Consumers League 

  • Crime Stoppers USA 

National

Floating Bitcoin Coins

Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud

Cryptocurrency investment fraud involves scams promoting fake digital currency investments, exchanges, or blockchain-based projects. Victims are typically lured with promises of high returns and minimal risk. Scammers may impersonate legitimate crypto companies or create convincing fake websites to steal funds. As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream attention, it’s essential for individuals to remain vigilant, thoroughly research opportunities, and avoid sharing personal or financial information without verification.

Local

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

State

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Federal

  • Securities and Exchange Commission​

  • Commodity Futures Trading Commission

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center

National

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority 

  • US Department of Treasury- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

  • Consumer Federation of America 

  • Crime Stoppers USA ​​

Advance Fee Schemes

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Advance fee schemes are scams in which victims are promised substantial rewards—such as loans, inheritances, or lucrative investments—in exchange for an upfront payment. After the fee is paid, the promised benefit never materializes, and the scammers vanish. These schemes commonly target individuals via email, phone calls, or online platforms. To protect yourself, never send money in advance for services or rewards, and always verify the legitimacy of any offer before proceeding.

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

  • Pikes Peak United Way​

Local

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

State

Federal

  • National Consumers League

  • Crime Stoppers USA 

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

National

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Lottery & Sweepstake Scams

Lottery and sweepstakes scams deceive victims into believing they have won a prize or lottery but require payment of fees or taxes—or the disclosure of personal information—to claim it. Scammers often use official-sounding names, logos, and urgent messaging to create a sense of legitimacy and pressure victims into acting quickly. These schemes can result in both financial loss and identity theft. To stay safe, remember legitimate lotteries never require payment to release winnings, and always be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications.

Local

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

  • Pikes Peak United Way​

State

  • Official State Lottery

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 

Federal

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

  • U.S Postal Inspection Service 

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center

National

  • National Consumers League

  • AARP Fraud Watch Network

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

Mortgage Fraud

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Mortgage fraud involves individuals, businesses, or organized crime groups manipulating the mortgage process to obtain financial gain through unlawful means. Common schemes include foreclosure rescue scams, loan modification fraud, inflated appraisals, and falsified information on mortgage applications. Victims can face serious consequences, such as losing their homes, paying unnecessary fees, or enduring long-term financial harm. To protect yourself, always work with licensed professionals, thoroughly verified mortgage offers, and be cautious of anyone requesting upfront payments for foreclosure or loan modification services.

  • Your Financial Institution​

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Mortgage Servicing Company​

    • Contact your mortgage servicing company ​

  • Contact your county Clerk & Recorder's Office​

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

    • (719) 444-7000 or View Website

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

    • (719) 636-1155​ or View Website ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Local

  • Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies 

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 

State

  • ​US Department of Housing & Urban Development

  • Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ​

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

Federal

  • National Fair Housing Alliance

  • National Consumers League​

  • AARP Fraud Watch Network

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

National

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Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud occurs when someone unlawfully uses another person’s credit card or card information to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw funds. Fraudsters often obtain this information through phishing scams, card skimming devices, or data breaches. Victims may suffer financial losses and damage to their credit scores. To protect yourself, regularly monitor your account statements and credit bureau, use secure payment methods, and report any suspicious activity to your card issuer and law enforcement immediately.

Local

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

State

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 

Federal

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ​​

  • Social Security Administration 

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center

National

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

  • National Consumers League

  • Credit Reporting Agencies

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