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 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.
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.
Many consumers feel most vulnerable when dealing with the inevitable need to take their car to a mechanic, whether it is for minor service or major repairs. The Motor Vehicle Repair Act, C.R.S., 42-9-101 to 113, was adopted in order to provide consumers with some control over what can easily become a major expenditure.
Under that Act:
To report possible violations of The Motor Vehicle Repair Act, contact your district attorney’s office.
Deception or misrepresentations regarding vehicle repairs may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been a victim of a vehicle repair fraud or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
Rental car companies are required to give to persons renting cars written disclosures of the terms and provisions of any collision damage waiver sold as part of the rental contract as well as other disclosures pertaining to financial and personal liability.
Failure to provide these written disclosures may be a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) and should be reported to the Colorado Attorney General
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no three-day right to cancel on a car purchase. If a consumer signs a contract to purchase a vehicle, he or she has bought the car and must abide by the contract stipulations or face potential consequences, including legal action.
If someone cancels or backs out of a deal, the dealer may or may not hold them accountable for the entire amount -- it is up to the dealer. But if they allow the contract to be voided, the dealer can only keep $500.00 of the consumer's deposit, unless a greater loss to the dealership can be substantiated, such as mileage or damage to the vehicle.
While there is no three-day right to cancel on a car purchase, deception or misrepresentations during the sales process may violate certain Colorado Department of Revenue – Auto Industry Enforcement Division regulations and/or constitute a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If this may be the case, report it.
The Colorado Lemon Law may require a manufacturer of a new car to replace that car or to repurchase that car if a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value of the car cannot be corrected. Colorado's Lemon Law, C.R.S. 42-10-101 through 42-10-107, covers only new self- propelled vehicles, including pickups and vans, but does not cover motor homes and motorcycles. It is unclear whether Colorado’s Lemon Law applies to leased vehicles.
To qualify for relief under the Lemon Law, the vehicle must have been in for repair four or more times for the same defect; or the vehicle is out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days during the warranty term or one year after purchase, whichever comes first..
Complaint filing process for Lemon Law:
To initiate the Lemon Law process, consumers must first notify the manufacturer by certified mail of the problem after their car has met the criteria outlined in the previous paragraph. (Consult your owner's manual to find out where to write and for specific regarding your auto manufactures complaint procedures). Consumers then can participate in an informal dispute settlement procedure if the manufacturer offers it.
If the settlement offered through the dispute settlement procedure is unsatisfactory to the consumer, he/she can file suit. The suit must be filed within six months following the expiration date of any warranty term or within one year following the date of the original delivery of a motor vehicle to a consumer, whichever is the earlier date. If a manufacturer has established or participates in an informal dispute resolution procedure (for example, through the Better Business Bureau), you must pursue that remedy before you can sue.
If you suspect fraud, If you suspect fraud or wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
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.
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:
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.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) includes nine separate divisions and the Executive Director’s Office. DORA’s divisions include over 40 boards, commissions, and advisory committees. The Division of Registrations alone regulates over 50 professions, occupations and businesses in the state totaling over 345,000 people.
From accountants, architects, and anesthesiologists to boxing, barbers, and electricians, DORA regulates most professions operating within the state. Check first with DORA for licensing and disciplinary records prior to engaging in business with a company.
While DORA regulates most professions within Colorado, other state and local agencies have certain regulatory authority and licensing and registration requirements. In addition to checking with the various state agencies, consumers should also check with their local city and county authorities regarding localized registration and licensing requirements.
Colorado Attorney General’s Office
Colorado Department of Revenue
Colorado Secretary of State
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Charitable organizations and paid charitable solicitors must register with the Colorado Secretary of State before engaging in fundraising activities in Colorado. Along with registration requirements, charities and paid solicitors are required to annually disclose financial statements to the state which enable donors to review how much of their donation actually goes to a cause along with the overall administration and management costs of the program.
Before donating, consumers should take the extra steps to thoroughly research any organization they are considering well in advance of providing donations. If not, donations may not be finding the right pockets.
If you suspect fraud or wish to report suspicious charitable donations, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
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 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.
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:
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:
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the most misunderstood rights under Colorado consumer protection statutes is the right to cancel a consumer contract. In general, there is no right to cancel a consumer contract or purchase, especially regarding new and used automobile purchases. However, there are some exceptions:
In Colorado, you have the right to rescind a transaction under several circumstances:
1 Day
3 Days
5 Days
30 Days
WHAT IS A BUSINESS DAY? Any day except Sunday and official federal/state holidays.While most contract cancellation policies may be identified within the contract, deceptive trade practices or misrepresentations may constitute a violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized or if you wish to report suspicious activity, file a report with the Colorado Attorney General.
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.
The Colorado Child Support Services Program, operated by the Colorado Department of Human Services is to assure that all children receive financial and medical support from each parent. This is accomplished by locating each parent, establishing paternity and support obligations, and enforcing those obligations.
Child support enforcement units exist within each county in Colorado to assist with child support matters. For more information regarding child support rules and regulations within Colorado or for assistance relating to child support matters, consumer should contact the Child Support Services Support Program.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Colorado consumers have the option of requesting any consumer reporting agency (credit bureau) to place a security freeze on your credit report. You will be able to place a security freeze on your credit reports by making a request in writing by certified mail to each consumer reporting agency you want to place a security freeze on your file. Once a security freeze is in place, the consumer reporting agency will not be able to release your credit report, or any information contained in that report, without your prior express authorization.
A consumer reporting agency must place a security freeze on your credit report within 5 business days after receiving your written request and must send you written confirmation of the security freeze within ten business days. They must provide you with a unique personal identification number or password for you to use in providing later authorization for the release of information from your credit report.
To view information on requesting a security freeze from the three largest consumer reporting agencies, visit the following web sites:
If you want potential creditors to be able to access information on your credit report, you must request that the freeze be temporarily lifted and provide the following information:
The consumer reporting agency must remove a security freeze within three business days of receiving a request for removal from you for a fee not to exceed $12.00. Remember, your failure to timely or correctly request a temporary or permanent removal of a security freeze on your account may result in the loss or denial of credit.
Note: A security freeze placed on a consumer’s credit report will not block all access to that report, or to the information contained in that report, such as current or prospective assignee of a financial obligation and from a state or local agency, law enforcement, the courts, private collection agency, or persons acting pursuant to a court order, warrant, or subpoena authorizing the use of the credit report.
For additional information, see also the “Creditor Fraud Center” within this site.
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.
The Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a state law that governs the actions of debt collectors and collection agencies. It provides consumers with certain rights and restricts the practices collection agencies may use to attempt to collect debts. For example, the law prohibits collection agencies from using harassment, misleading, and unfair practices.
The law prohibits unnecessary disclosure of the debt to parties not obligated to pay the debt. The law does not apply to creditors collecting their own debts. The Colorado Attorney General's Office, through the Administrator of the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, investigates complaints about collection agencies and takes appropriate disciplinary or legal action when a collection agency has violated the law.
For licensing and discipline information or for additional questions, contact the Colorado Collection Agency Regulation section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
The Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) is a state law that regulates the terms and conditions of consumer credit in the State of Colorado. The UCCC does not apply to first mortgage residential acquisition and refinance loans except for its sections on disclosures of the cost of credit, certain consumer remedies, and administrative powers. Most other consumer credit transactions such as payday loans, automobile loans, second mortgages, state-issued credit cards, and signature loans are subject to the UCCC.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office, through the Administrator of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code, investigates complaints about lenders and creditors, licenses non-bank lenders such as finance companies and payday lenders, and takes appropriate disciplinary or legal action when a creditor violates the law. For licensing and discipline information or for additional questions, contact the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Credit Cards have been quickly gaining in popularity and overall usage over the years. If a credit card is issued by a Colorado company, bank, or credit union, those cards must comply with the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code. For additional information, contact the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Although Colorado businesses must conform to the Colorado rules, most credit cards are issued by national institutions located in other states. For additional information regarding nationally issued bank cards, contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Under Colorado law, it is illegal for any merchant to impose a surcharge on a purchaser or lessee who elects to use a credit or charge card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means. A surcharge is any additional amount imposed at the time of the sales or lease transaction by the merchant, seller, or lessor that increases the charge to the purchaser or lessee for the privilege of using a credit or charge card and includes those cards pursuant to which unpaid balances are payable on demand.
This prohibition does NOT apply to convenience fees charged by a state or local government entity which accepts payment by credit or charge card and does NOT apply to debit cards. A discount offered by a seller or lessor for the purpose of inducing payment by cash, check, or other means not involving the use of a seller or lender credit card does NOT constitute a finance charge if such discount is offered to all prospective purchasers and its availability is disclosed to all prospective purchasers clearly and conspicuously.
For additional questions, contact the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
A credit report is a report compiled and issued by a consumer reporting agency which lists activity that may affect your credit standing, including your creditors, the amount of your debts, your credit limits, late payments, defaults, charge-offs, repossessions and bankruptcies.
Consumers are entitled to request a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three main credit reporting companies by using
Consumers can contact one of the following consumer reporting agencies to correct inaccurate information in their credit file or to obtain other information about their credit history:
Click Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Various state and federal agencies regulate different types of banks operating throughout the state and across the nation. To learn more about general banking rules, regulations, and where to file a report against your bank, you may wish to check with the following:
For mortgage and foreclosure concerns:
State Chartered Banks:
Nationally Chartered Banks:
Credit Unions:
Deception or misrepresentations from your bank may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been a victimized by your bank or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
To learn more about general credit union general rules, regulations, and where to file a report against your credit union, you may wish to check with the following:
State Credit Unions:
National Credit Unions:
A credit repair agency is any person or business that, for a fee, advertises or claims they can improve your credit record or report. Some companies charge money to correct or erase bad credit. Bad credit, if correct, cannot be legally removed from your credit report. Consumers can correct their own credit report at no cost by contacting the credit reporting agencies. See also “Credit Reports” in this Resource Guide.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office, through the Administrator of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code, investigates complaints about credit repair agencies and takes appropriate disciplinary or legal action when a creditor violates the law. For licensing and discipline information or for additional questions, contact the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code section within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
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.
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The Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners regulates individual chiropractors. A licensed chiropractor may hold three (3) different authorities: acupuncture, electrotherapy, and animal, in conjunction to their chiropractic license.
The Board regulates chiropractic licenses with their designated authorities. The Board meets regularly to approve license applications and enforce the chiropractic rules, regulations, and practice act that governs the profession. The Board reviews complaints about chiropractors and utilizes the Division’s Office of Investigations to investigate complaints when necessary. The Board is authorized to take disciplinary action against those who have violated the Chiropractic Practice Act, Rules, and Regulations.
To learn more about chiropractors or to check license or disciplinary status of any chiropractors, contact the Colorado Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Deceptive practices by chiropractors may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been victimized by a chiropractor or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
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 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 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 Colorado Office of Audiology Licensure and Office of Hearing Aid Provider Licensure regulates individual licensed audiologists, hearing aid providers, hearing aid associates and hearing aid trainees in the state of Colorado. Office activities include licensing audiologists and hearing aid providers, investigating complaints, and enforcing disciplinary actions against those who violate the Audiologists and Hearing Aid Providers Practice Act and the Director’s Rules and Regulations.
The Office works in conjunction with the National Board for Certification Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS), the Colorado Speech Language Hearing Association (CSHA), the Colorado Academy of Audiology (CAA), and the Colorado Hearing Society.
For more information about your audiologist or to review licensing and disciplinary actions, contact the Office of Audiology and Hearing Air Provider Licensure Office.
Deception or misrepresentations regarding hearing aid sales may also violate the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). If you believe you have been a victim of a hearing aid provider or if you wish to report suspicious activity, report it to the Colorado Attorney General.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For additional information, see also the “Identity Theft Fraud Center” within this site.
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.
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