Consumer Resource Guide - For more information on addressing common issues and topics, please review the Colorado Attorney General’s Consumer Resource Guide. Please be advised the information contained within the Resource Guide should not be taken as legal advice. Consumers seeking a legal opinion should consult with a licensed attorney.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) goal is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America’s workers. To accomplish this, federal and state governments must work in partnership with the more than 100 million working men and women and their six and a half million employers who are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
OSHA and its state partners have approximately 2100 inspectors, plus complaint discrimination investigators, engineers, physicians, educators, standards writers, and other technical and support personnel spread over more than 200 offices throughout the country. This staff establishes protective standards, enforces those standards, and reaches out to employers and employees through technical assistance and consultation programs.
Nearly every working man and woman in the nation comes under OSHA’s jurisdiction (with some exceptions such as miners, transportation workers, many public employees, and the self-employed). Other users and recipients of OSHA services include occupational safety and health professionals, the academic community, lawyers, journalists, and personnel of other government entities.
Consumers with questions or complaints about safety in the workplace can contact OSHA.
If you desire a legal opinion or representation relating to your specific situation, we recommend contacting a private attorney or one of the services that provide legal assistance through the local bar association and/or other legal entities.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides Veteran’s access to their benefits for their service to our country. Whether it’s assisting with health coverage, the GI Bill, employment, or home loans and life insurance, the VA may be able to provide the assistance you need.
If you believe you have been victimized by a fraud or if you wish to report suspicious activity, file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) primary mission is to “save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes.” One of the most important ways in which the agency carries out its safety mandate is to issue Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Through these rules, NHTSA strives to reduce the number of crashes and to minimize the consequences of those crashes that do occur. To learn more about vehicle safety standards or to report vehicle safety concerns, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Colorado No Call List was enacted by the Colorado General Assembly in 2001 to enable consumers to protect themselves against unwanted telephone calls to residential or personal wireless telephone numbers. If you wish to register your home or mobile telephone number with the Colorado No-Call List or if you have received a fraudulent call and wish to report it, contact Colorado No-Call.
The Office of State Treasurer operates The Great Colorado Payback which provides consumers an opportunity to determine and recover, if applicable, any unclaimed property. Consumers wanting to know more about the program or to determine if they have any unclaimed property should check with The Great Colorado Payback.
As there is no charge for this service, consumers should be wary of calls or letters from people offering assistance in finding lost or unclaimed property for a fee. Always check with The Great Colorado Payback first.
While legitimate timeshare purchasing and reselling organizations are lawfully conducting business throughout the state, every year fraudulent timeshare businesses pop-up in an effort to steal your money. Click here to learn more about timeshare scams and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
If you have been a victim of a timeshare scam and incurred financial losses, file a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
Under Colorado law, a "commercial telephone seller” may not conduct business in this state without having registered with the Colorado Attorney General at least ten days prior to the conduct of such business. This applies to any commercial telephone seller located in Colorado and to any commercial telephone seller contacting prospective purchasers in Colorado.
To find out more about telemarketing within the state or to determine if a business is registered to conduct telemarketing in Colorado, check with the Colorado Attorney General.
If you believe you have received a fraudulent call or wish to report telemarketing fraud, file a report with:
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Small claims court is for disputes involving amounts under $7,500.00 and can only handle certain kinds of claims. Small court claims generally are:
The small claims court cannot hear cases of libel or slander, eviction, traffic violations, or criminal matters. If you win in small claims court, you will be responsible (or an attorney that you hire) for collecting any judgment that you win. Keep in mind you have at least six years to collect your judgment. Additional information is available from the Colorado Judicial Branch.
While Sign Language Interpreters are not currently required to be licensed in Colorado, Sign Language Interpreters are prohibited in claiming certification unless he or she holds a current certification issued by the registry of interpreters for the deaf or a successor organization.
If you believe you have been a victim of misleading Sing Language Interpreter certification or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
The AARP Foundation ElderWatch grew out of a 1999 study published by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Respecting Our Elders: A Statewide Action Plan to Combat Senior Fraud. Among the report’s recommendations was the establishment of a statewide clearinghouse of information set up as a nonprofit agency, to coordinate efforts in both the public and private sectors.
AARP Foundation ElderWatch provides information to and coordinates efforts by law enforcement agencies, social services and other organizations assisting 50+ Coloradans. The ElderWatch program engages roughly 180 volunteers each year, who provide information and assistance to their peers, and consists of three main components:
Through these efforts, AARP Foundation ElderWatch is uniquely positioned to provide information and assistance to older Coloradans and to collect data pertaining to financial exploitation from the front lines. This allows for the creation and dissemination of scam alerts and tips to help proactively educate 50+ consumers about the dangers of financial exploitation.
You may wish to contact AARP Foundation ElderWatch for assistance by calling 1-800-222-4444 telephone option 2.
For additional resources, see also the "Senior Fraud Center" within this site.
Investing can be captivating, rewarding, and very risky at times. While traditional banking deposits may be federally guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds can regularly fluctuate and potentially lose value.
The best way for investors to protect their investment is to do research and ask questions. Here are some common resources to assist in determining if investing is right for you and to determine if your broker is licensed and in good standing.
If you have become a victim of investment fraud or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
In Colorado, a “salvage vehicle” is any vehicle that is damaged by collision, fire, flood, accident, trespass, or other occurrence, excluding hail damage, to the extent that the cost of repairing the vehicle to a roadworthy condition and for legal operation on the highways exceeds the vehicle's retail fair market value immediately prior to such damage.
For more information regarding salvage vehicles or to report possible fraud pertaining to a vehicle purchase, contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Under Colorado law, any person who is retained by a secured party to recover or take possession of collateral upon default is required to be bonded for property damage to or conversion of such collateral in the amount of at least $50,000. Such bond shall be filed with and drawn in favor of the Colorado Attorney General.
To find out more about repossessors or to determine if a business is registered to conduct repossessions in Colorado, check with the Colorado Attorney General.
If you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent repossession or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
Rent-to-Own companies typically lease products in exchange for a regular, ongoing payment with the option to purchase the products within the allotted time contained within the agreement. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office, through the Administrator of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code, investigates complaints about rent-to-own businesses and takes appropriate disciplinary or legal action when a creditor violates the law.
For additional questions, contact the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP) is a division of the Colorado Department of Human Services and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement. The agency’s goal is to ensure effective resettlement of officially designated refugees and to promote refugee self-sufficiency. Refugees are federally defined as having legal status and a lawful presence in the state.
The agency is committed to a holistic approach to refugee resettlement. Services and programs support refugees and the larger receiving community working together to build the social capital necessary to both sustain a welcoming environment for refugees as well as a return on investment for the mainstream. Working with local partners, CRSP supported services include: ESL classes, job training, cash assistance, legal services, and health care.
For more information or to seek assistance with refugee matters, contact the Colorado Refugee Services Program.
Additionally refugees who believe they have been victimized by fraud or wish to report suspicious activity should file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
Real estate brokers are regulated by the Division of Real Estate within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Further information about real estate brokers along with broker registration, licensing, and disciplinary history can be obtained from:
Deceptive practices by real estate brokers may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a real estate broker or if you wish to report suspicious activity, file a report.
Real estate appraisers are regulated by the Division of Real Estate within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Further information about real estate appraisers along with appraiser registration, licensing, and disciplinary history can be obtained from:
Deceptive practices by real estate appraisers may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a real estate appraiser, file a report.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about the safety of products you have purchased or if you wish to see what products have been recalls, contact the Commission.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations State Plumbing Board regulates and licenses plumbers. The Board’s mission is to protect the health of the public by enforcing the state plumbing statutes. The Board activities include licensing and registration of plumbers, apprentices, and plumbing contractors, investigating complaints about the licensed and unlicensed practice in Colorado, and disciplining those who violate the law.
If you have a complaint about a plumber or would like additional licensing and discipline history of your plumber, contact the State Plumbing Board.
Deceptive practices by plumbers, apprentices, and plumbing contractors may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a plumber or if you wish to report suspicious activity, file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
Click here for additional information on ways to avoid contractor fraud.
The State Board of Optometry regulates the practice of optometry in Colorado. The board does not regulate eye clinics or opticians. Board activities include licensing optometrists, investigating complaints against optometrists and the unlicensed practice of optometry, and enforcing disciplinary actions against those who violate the Optometric Practice Act and Board Rules.
Deceptive practices by optometrists may also constitute a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by an optometrists or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
Odometer fraud is the illegal practice of rolling back an odometer to make it appear that a motor vehicle has lower mileage than it actually does. Any person who disconnects, resets, or alters the odometer on a motor vehicle with the intent to defraud a subsequent purchaser or lessee is in violation of federal law.
If you suspect odometer fraud with a vehicle purchase, report it:
Private/Individual Purchase:
Dealer Purchase:
National Purchase:
Auto Dealer Purchases:New and used auto purchases handled through a dealer are regulated by the Colorado Department of Revenue – Auto Industry Enforcement Division. Consumers with questions or concerns regarding their auto purchase should contact the Auto Industry Enforcement Division.
Deception or misrepresentations during the sales process may also constitute a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If this may be the case, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
Individual Auto Sales:
Auto purchases made through individuals or a private party are not typically regulated thought the Auto Industry Enforcement Division. Rather traditional contract rules typically apply to any private auto purchase transaction, including vehicles purchased “AS IS”. As a result consumers should have any vehicle checked out by an independent certified mechanic and should fully understand all contract terms prior to executing/signing a purchase agreement.
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you.
If you wish to register your home or mobile telephone number with the National Do Not Call Registry or if you have received a fraudulent call and wish to report it, contact the National Do Not Call Registry and file a report with Colorado No-Call.
Moving can be an extremely stressful time. Not only can moving be stressful, it can also an opportune time for scammers as well. Do your homework before you move and know who you are dealing with prior to entering into any contract.
In-state movers are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and are required to meet certain standards prior to operating. Interstate movers must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Verify your mover is licensed prior to signing a contract. Consumers may also want to check on their complaint history and reputation with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
Click here to learn more about moving scams and additional tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Deception or misrepresentations by moving companies within Colorado may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a moving company or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it.
Mortgage loan originators are regulated by the Division of Real Estate within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Further information about mortgage loan originators along with originator registration, licensing, and disciplinary history can be obtained from:
Deceptive practices by mortgage loan originators may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a mortgage loan originator, file a report.
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Motor Vehicle Repair Garages
Mechanics Liens
It is always a good idea in connection with any major construction or home improvement project to require your contractor to obtain lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers or requiring that every check issued by you is made payable jointly to the contractor and to the appropriate subcontractor or supplier.
If you suspect a lien has resulted from deception or misrepresentations, file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
While the Colorado Attorney General is chief legal counsel to state government and is responsible for protecting the public interest, the Attorney General does not serve as legal counsel or advisor to individual citizens and is not authorized to provide legal advice, interpretation, or counsel to private citizens.
If you desire a legal opinion relating to your specific situation, we recommend contacting a private attorney or one of the services that provide legal assistance through the local bar association and other entities.
While Colorado law regulates the return of security deposits and requires the return of security deposits within one month after the lease has been terminated in absence of cause or unless otherwise specified within the lease, most landlord/tenant issues involve private contractual disputes and are not typically under the authority of the state. Consumers seeking assistance with landlord tenant issues may wish to contact Colorado Housing Connects to determine if assistance may be available.
Contractual disputes can often be extremely complex and may require a legal venue to resolve the issues. Consumers wanting to learn more about small claims court in their district or for those wanting to learn more about legal resources in their area should review the Legal Assistance section within this Resource Guide. If you desire a legal opinion or representation relating to your specific situation, we recommend contacting a private attorney or one of the services that provide legal assistance through the local bar association and/or other legal entities.
Colorado consists of 22 judicial districts across the state. Click here to learn about the district in your area.
The Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline is charged with monitoring the conduct, under certain ethical principles, of the judiciary of the state courts of Colorado, including judges of County and District courts; judges of the Court of Appeals, and justices of the Supreme Court.
The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert providing taxpayers with additional tips to protect themselves from telephone scam artists calling and pretending to be with the IRS.
These callers may demand money or may say you have a refund due and try to trick you into sharing private information. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They may know a lot about you, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. If you don’t answer, they often leave an “urgent” callback request. “These telephone scams are being seen in every part of the country, and we urge people not to be deceived by these threatening phone calls,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said. “We have formal processes in place for people with tax issues. The IRS respects taxpayer rights, and these angry, shake-down calls are not how we do business.”
The IRS reminds people that they can know pretty easily when a supposed IRS caller is a fake. Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam. The IRS will never:
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what you should do:
Remember, too, the IRS does not use unsolicited email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issue. For more information on reporting tax scams, go to www.irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.
For more information about fraudulent telephone calls and how to protect yourself against telemarketing fraud, visit the Telemarketing Fraud Center. If you desire a legal opinion or representation relating to your specific situation, we recommend contacting a private attorney or one of the services that provide legal assistance through the local bar association and/or other legal entities.
While the Colorado Division of Insurance licenses and can take disciplinary action against an agency or broker, the Colorado Attorney General has criminal enforcement authority regarding cases of insurance fraud perpetrated by insurance companies and brokers but also fraud perpetrated by individuals.
To learn more about insurance fraud, visit the Insurance Fraud Center within this site. If you believe you have witnessed or have been a victim of insurance fraud, report it to the Colorado Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Unit.
The Colorado Division of Insurance, with the Department of Regulatory Agencies, licenses insurance companies and producers (brokers and agents) that engage in business in Colorado. Information on the license status of insurance companies and insurance brokers and agents can be located through the Colorado Division of Insurance.
While the Division of Insurance licenses and can take disciplinary against an agency or broker, the Colorado Attorney General has criminal enforcement authority regarding cases of insurance fraud perpetrated by insurance companies and brokers but also fraud perpetrated by individuals.
To learn more about insurance fraud, visit the Insurance Fraud Center within this site. If you believe you have witnessed or have been a victim of insurance fraud, report it to the Colorado Attorney General Insurance Fraud Unit.
Identity theft may come in multiple forms, but its impact is always frustrating and oftentimes devastating. In fact, anyone can be a victim of identity theft. For this reason, it is vital that Coloradoans understand how to protect themselves. See the below resources on how to better protect you and your family from becoming victimized by Identity Theft and learn how to report it.
Publications and Handbooks
Business Publications
For additional information, see also the “Identity Theft Fraud Center” within this site.
If you have been a victim of Identity Theft or Fraud, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is available to help. For immediate assistance, call the Identity Theft Hotline. The hotline phones are answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.
CBI 24 Hour Identity Theft & Fraud Hotline
Colorado Attorney General
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), through its Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, regulates hospitals and other health facilities.
Consumers with questions or complaints regarding hospitals should contact the Department of Health.
Amid the growing concern regarding homeowner’s associations (HOA’s), the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Division of Real Estate has established The HOA Information and Resource Center.
The Center provides information to homeowners as well as registration requirements for HOA’s within the state. For further information about HOA’s or to submit a complaint, please contact The HOA Information and Resource Center.
Consumers should be careful about purchasing any type of health care product or service. Many types of products or services touted as miracle cures or wonder drugs are not regulated by any state or federal entity. Consumers are bombarded by television and newspaper advertisements and by unsolicited facsimiles and e-mail messages. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of the claims of anyone selling health care products or services you should consult your personal doctor before you agree to buy anything.
Not only should consumers be careful about what type of health care product or service they are purchasing, consumers should also be wary about the purchase agreement. A number of these so called miracle cures often provide negative option purchasing with little or no up-front disclosures, causing the purchaser to enter into free-trial membership that enjoins the purchaser into regular and ongoing monthly service fees with strict and often challenging cancellation policies.
Information for consumers looking to purchase health care products and services is provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Deceptive practices by these health care product sellers may constitute a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a seller or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
Home repair fraud can be one of the most devastating events a homeowner can go through. While legitimate contractors work hard to build their reputation and brand, fraudulent contractors operate with one task at hand - getting your money.
Before you select your contractor, check with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and your local government to determine if your contractor is properly licensed.
If you have been a victim of contractor fraud, file a report with the appropriate agency:
The Colorado Department of Labor – Division of Oil and Public Safety not only overseas safe storage and use of petroleum products, the agency also handles complaints regarding gas pumps that appear to be reading inappropriate amounts, as well as certain pricing issues and measurement issues.
If you suspect petroleum contamination or believe a gas pump may not accurately reflect your purchase, contact the Department of Oil and Safety.
No state or federal agency directly regulates the prices charged by gasoline refiners, wholesalers, or retailers. Prices are established in each local marketplace by each competitor independently and without agreement with a competitor.
Similarity of prices in a local marketplace is NOT, by itself, evidence of a conspiracy since competitor’s prices are publicly disclosed. However, if you have direct evidence that local competitors are actually agreeing on prices, report it to the Colorado Attorney General’s Anti-Trust Unit.
The best resource available to consumers facing foreclosure is the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline, which can be reached at 1-877-601-HOPE (4673). Homeowners who contact the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline to receive assistance stand a much better chance of saving their home than those who go it alone.
The hotline is an immediate resource that distressed borrowers can call to receive free counseling from nonprofit, HUD-approved housing counselors. The counselors not only assist those facing foreclosure but also assist homeowners attempting to negotiate loan modifications or refinancing from their lender.
If you believe you have been a victim of mortgage fraud or wish to report suspicious activity, please file a report here.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food and drugs on the market, investigates claims regarding these products, reviews new products and ensures that accurate information is provided to health professionals and consumers.
The network of 167 field offices is generally the first point of contact for the public and regulated manufacturers. The employees in these offices focus on inspection and surveillance, laboratory work and public industry education. The public affairs specialists in these field offices can respond to various consumer questions, and can provide information such as publications and press releases
For more information, contact the FDA.
To find an attorney by practice area and to ensure your attorney is licensed and in good standing to practice law in Colorado, please contact the Colorado Bar Association.
Colorado Legal Services provides legal assistance to members of the public that fall within certain income guidelines. While this organization does not handle any criminal or traffic matters, they can assist with civil matters such as family law, bankruptcy, public benefit, landlord/tenant, and senior citizen issues. Consumers who are low-income or are without income may qualify for assistance and should contact Colorado Legal Services directly for a review of their circumstance.
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Ground ambulances are licensed in each county where the ambulance operates. Contact your county commissioners’ office for specific county ambulance licensing requirements.
The Department of Public Health and Environment handles certification of Emergency Medical Technicians. The Department is also responsible for developing and implementing regulations for the Statewide Emergency Medical and Trauma Services System Development Plan.
Complaints against EMT’s can be filed at:
Deception or misrepresentations by ambulatory service providers may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been a victim of an ambulatory service or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment assists with matters related to wage claims, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation. The Division can provide assistance or guidance with the following:
The Division does not have authority over the following:
After July 1987, any vehicle must have all the original emissions equipment at the time of sale and it is the responsibility of the seller to provide the buyer with proof. Information on Colorado motor vehicle emission requirements is available through the Colorado Department of Revenue – Department of Motor Vehicles.
For additional information or where you can find an emissions testing location, check with Air Care Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions State Electrical Board regulates and licenses electricians. The Board’s mission is to protect the health of the public by enforcing state electrical statutes. The board conducts regular inspections of the installations that they regulate, and review special requests for exceptions to the code.
The Board activities include licensing electricians, apprentices, and electrical contractors, investigating complaints about the licensed and unlicensed practice in Colorado, and disciplining those who violate the law. If you have a complaint about an electrician or would like additional licensing and discipline history of your electrician, contact the Colorado Electrical Board.
Deceptive practices by electricians, apprentices, and electrical contractors may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by an electrician or if you wish to report suspicious activity, file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
The Colorado Department of Education is the administrative arm of the Colorado State Board of Education. This state agency can help with occupational/vocational schools, questions about school requirements. If a consumer has tried to resolve a problem with the local school officials and not succeeded, this could be a good resource.
For those with questions or concerns regarding higher education, the Colorado Department of Higher Education may be able to provide further assistance.
While the Departments generally oversee issues and concerns regarding education, concerns regarding deception and misrepresentations, such as inflated graduation rates or non-fulfillment of job placement guarantees may also constitute a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If this may be the case, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
The Colorado Medical Board (CMB) was instituted as part of the Medical Practice Act for the purpose of regulating and controlling the practice of healing arts, which include establishing and enforcing the licensing standards for Medical Doctors (M.D.s), Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s), Physician Assistants (P.A.s), and Anesthesiology Assistants (A.A.s). Licensure is mandatory to practice medicine in Colorado or to treat Colorado patients.
The CMB investigates the unlicensed practice of medicine. It does not, however, have authority to arbitrate or adjudicate fee disputes. For more information about your doctor or to review licensing and disciplinary actions, contact the Colorado Medical Board.
Deceptive practices by dentists may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a doctor or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
The District Attorney (DA) generally investigates and prosecutes crimes committed within their jurisdiction. Not only does the District Attorney have criminal authority to prosecute, the District Attorney's within Colorado have authority under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) to address certain economic crimes and civil matters in violation of the CCPA.
Vist https://www.cdacweb.com/ to learn more about your district or to contact your District Attorney.
The Colorado Civil Rights Division is the state agency established to administer and enforce Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing and public accommodations. Colorado law prohibits such discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, disability (mental and physical), familial status (housing only), marital status (housing and public accommodations only), marriage to a co-worker (employment only), and age (employment only).
Complaints regarding discrimination should be reported to the Colorado Civil Rights Division. There is no charge for filing a complaint nor is the presence of an attorney required.
The Colorado Civil Rights Division cannot handle:
Here are some important federal contacts if you feel you have been discriminated against in your employment or housing:
Discount health plans are not health insurance. Usually these are membership plans that purport to offer savings on doctor and hospital visits and on prescription drugs. Many discount health plans are marketed door-to-door, via telemarketing, unsolicited facsimiles, and by posting advertisements in local neighborhoods. You should be extremely careful before signing up for a non-insurance discount health plan, especially before you cancel existing insurance coverage.
Some important things to look for include:
If you have questions or concerns about a discount health plan, contact the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Deceptive practices by discount health plan operators may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a discount health plan or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
The State of Colorado has established the Disabled Telephone Users Fund (C.R.S. 40-17-104 ) to help fund services for hearing or speech impaired individuals. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission administers telephone relay services through a program called “Relay Colorado.” Relay Colorado is a free service that provides full telephone access to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled.
Relay Colorado allows text-telephone (TTY) users to communicate with regular telephone users through trained relay operators. The operator will dial the requested number and relay the conversation between the two callers. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and there are not any restrictions on the number or length of calls. All calls are confidential and records of conversations are not kept.This service is accessed by dialing “711” on your telephone. More information on the use of service is available here.
An additional service that is available through Relay Colorado is “captioned telephone.” Using special telephone equipment, you simply dial the number you are calling and the phone automatically connects you to the captioned relay center for Relay Colorado. Specially trained operators transcribe everything the other party says to you into written text (captions) using voice recognition technology. The captions appear on a screen on your telephone. More information on this captioned telephone service is available here.
The Colorado Dental Board regulates and licenses dentists and dental hygienists. The mission of the Board is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Colorado by developing and maintaining rules and policies to ensure that only qualified persons are licensed to provide dental care and those violators of the laws and rules regulating dentistry are sanctioned as appropriate.
The Board activities include licensing dentists and dental hygienists, investigating complaints about the licensed and unlicensed practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, disciplining those who violate the law and/or the Board’s Rules and make, amend, and adopt reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of dentists and dental hygienists. If you have a complaint about a dentist or dental hygienists or would like additional licensing and discipline history of your dentist, contact the Colorado Dental Board.
Deceptive practices by dentists may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a dentist or if you wish to report suspicious activity, file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
The Colorado Uniform Debt Management Services Act (DMSA) regulates companies that offer and provide debt management services to Colorado residents while providing consumer protections.
Under Colorado law, Debt Management Services Providers (Providers) include non-profit and for-profit Credit Counseling and Debt Settlement companies. Providers typically work with unsecured debt such as credit card debt. The law also applies to law firms and attorneys unless the attorney is licensed to practice law in Colorado and is providing legal services in an attorney-client relationship.
For licensing and discipline information or for additional questions, contact the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Many consumers have reported receiving threatening calls from individuals who claim they will have you arrested or thrown in jail if you don’t pay your debt immediately, often receiving the calls from individuals impersonating law enforcement officials. These types of calls are usually red flags of a debt collection scam as collection agencies do not have the legal authority to arrest or put you in jail for nonpayment of a debt.
If you have received a threatening phone call and wish to report it, contact the National Do-Not-Call Registry and file a report with Colorado No-Call.
For more information about Colorado’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (CFDCPA) and to learn more about how to protect yourself against fraud, visit the Creditor Fraud Center. If you desire a legal opinion or representation relating to your specific situation, we recommend contacting a private attorney or one of the services that provide legal assistance through the local bar association and/or other legal entities.