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Scam Free COS

Consumer Fraud Schemes

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Consumer fraud schemes involve deceptive tactics used to trick individuals into making purchases, disclosing personal information, or engaging with misleading offers. These scams often appear in the form of false advertising, fake free trial offers, unauthorized billing, or misleading product claims. Scammers may exploit common consumer behaviors—such as bargain hunting or urgency during sales events—to encourage hasty decisions. Victims can suffer financial losses, receive substandard or non-existent products, or become targets for future scams. To protect yourself, research companies before making purchases, review terms and conditions carefully, and avoid offers that seem too good to be true.

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

  • City of Colorado Springs-Scams & Financial Crime

  • The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

Local

  • Attorney General's Office- Consumer Protection

  • Stop Fraud Colorado 

  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

State

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center 

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)​

Federal

  • AARP Fraud Watch Network​

  • Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) ​

  • National Consumers League- Fraud Center​

National

Decorative Gift Boxes

Holiday Scams

Holiday scams take advantage of the generosity and heightened activity of the season, targeting individuals through fake online stores, counterfeit gift deals, charity fraud, and delivery scams. Scammers often use phishing emails, fraudulent websites, and bogus charitable appeals to steal money or personal information. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of charities and businesses, be cautious of unsolicited offers, and regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.

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) 

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service​

    • 1 (877) 876-2455 or View Website​​​​​​​​​​

National

Charity and Disaster Fraud

Community Volunteers Packing

Charity and disaster fraud exploits people’s goodwill and compassion, especially during times of crisis. Scammers may impersonate legitimate charities or create fake relief organizations to solicit donations for fabricated causes. These schemes often rely on emotional appeals to manipulate individuals who genuinely want to help disaster victims or support charitable efforts. To avoid falling victim, always research and verify the legitimacy of any charity before donating.

  • Your Financial Institution

    • Contact your bank or credit union directly

  • Pikes Peak United Way​

  • Colorado Springs Police Department

Local

State

Federal

National

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