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Scam Free COS

Romance Scams

Image by Kelly Sikkema

Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online identities to form deceptive relationships with victims, often through dating websites, apps, or social media. After gaining trust, they manipulate victims into sending money, disclosing sensitive information, or even participating in illegal activities. Common tactics include fabricated financial emergencies, fake travel plans, and emotional appeals. These scams can leave victims both financially and emotionally devastated. To protect yourself, be cautious with online relationships, verify identities, and never send money or share personal details with someone you haven’t met in person.

  • 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 Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service​​​

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center 

Federal

National

Image by Siddharth Salve

Sextortion

Sextortion is a form of exploitation in which criminals use blackmail to coerce individuals into sending explicit images, videos, or money. These schemes often begin with fake online relationships or by hacking into devices to obtain compromising material, which is then used to threaten and manipulate victims. Both adults and minors are frequent targets. If you or someone you know is a victim, report the incident to the authorities immediately and seek professional support.

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)

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Federal

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)​

  • Social Security Administration

  • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children​​

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

National

Elder Fraud

Image by Vitaly Gariev

Elder fraud occurs when scammers deliberately target older adults to exploit their finances, trust, or vulnerabilities. Common schemes include imposter scams, fraudulent investments, romance scams, and tech support fraud. Perpetrators often pose as family members, government officials, or trusted professionals to manipulate victims into providing money, personal information, or account access. Preventing elder fraud requires vigilance, careful verification of unsolicited requests, and prompt reporting of suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

  • 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​

  • El Paso County Adult Protective Services​

Local

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

  • Colorado Department of Human Services​

State

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

  • Social Security Administration​​

  • U.S Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative​

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center 

Federal

National

Image by Kenny Eliason

Adoption Fraud

Adoption fraud occurs when unethical individuals or organizations exploit the adoption process for personal gain, often harming prospective adoptive parents, birth parents, or children. Scammers may pose as legitimate adoption service providers, charging exorbitant fees for non-existent services, fabricating adoption opportunities, or preying on emotional vulnerabilities. In some cases, these schemes involve identity theft or misrepresentation of a child’s background. Victims are frequently left both financially and emotionally devastated, and the safeguards intended to protect children and families are compromised. To navigate the adoption process safely, it is essential to recognize warning signs of fraud and work with accredited agencies and qualified legal professionals.

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

  • Attorney General's Office (Colorado)

  • Stop Fraud Colorado

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Federal

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)​

  • Office of Inspector General​

  • Department of Justice​

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau​

  • Social Security Administration

National

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