Motor vehicle theft is on the rise, according to statistics from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. There were 22,206 cases of auto theft in 2017, a 72{66eaadba41c14e7e553ffe7a4ee73fbae213b19704eda0514b3dd79e37e4c0c5} increase from 2014! Less than half of the vehicles were recovered. And vehicle break-ins are one of the most common types of property crimes in Colorado. So what […]
Identity theft doesn’t just target individuals — businesses are also vulnerable to these types of crimes. Hijackers can steal financial information from businesses in order to pose as that business to establish lines of credit or make fraudulent purchases. How can your business protect itself from identity theft and cyber crimes? Three Colorado state agencies […]
How does the State of Colorado regulate digitally-networked transportation companies like Uber and Lyft? The Colorado Legislative Council has just published a new Issue Brief that explores this topic. Here you can learn about the many differences between transportation network companies (TNCs) and traditional taxicabs, including driver requirements, safety inspections, and how the companies set […]
This is the week when many people start their holiday shopping. ‘Tis also the season for charitable giving. Unfortunately, both of those activities can be spoiled by scammers and cybercriminals. So, before you start your holiday spending, be sure to check out the Colorado Attorney General’s Consumer Holiday Guide. This booklet offers smart tips on how to […]
Whether for fun or for business, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are a hot new tool that’s growing in popularity. But before you set your drone in flight, you should be aware of safety precautions, laws and regulations, and insurance information. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s website contains a helpful webpage, Fly […]
Open enrollment for individual insurance plans is coming up in November, and many employers also conduct open enrollment during the fall. Whichever type of plan you are enrolling in, it helps to know your options. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has some helpful information on their website, including Key Health Insurance Definitions, newly […]
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. What can you do to avoid being a victim of cyber crime? Criminals are increasingly using the internet to target victims, either to steal their identities or scam them out of a lot of money – or both. Below are some common types of cyber fraud, and tips to […]
Ground subsidence problems are very real in Colorado. Whether from naturally occurring elements in the soil or from the effects of Colorado’s mining history, the ground in certain parts of Colorado is susceptible to settling, collapsing, expanding, heaving, or swelling, all of which can have potentially hazardous effects on structures. So how do you know […]
Colorado has 8,006 registered homeowners associations. Is your home – or a home you’re thinking of buying – part of an HOA? The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies has just debuted a new website dedicated to consumer information on HOAs. Part of their Take 5 to Get Wise consumer websites, the new HOA Information and […]
If you are one of the 1,276,946 members of Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, there are many resources available online to help you understand your benefits and services under the program. For an overview, see the Member Handbook, available in both English and Spanish. You can also view a benefits and services chart […]
Wondering what you can do to help reduce ozone and improve our summer air? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Regional Air Quality Council have launched a new campaign that can help Coloradans take simple steps toward better summer air. In fact, that’s the name of the campaign and its new […]
Gov. Hickenlooper has proclaimed April 2018 as “Dig Safely Month in Colorado.” The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reminds property owners and contractors to call 811 at least three days before any digging project. You can also submit a request online. Upon receiving the request, local utility companies will be dispatched to the property to […]
Are you frustrated with the number of unwanted phone calls you receive? The No Call List has been in place for nearly two decades now, but telephone scammers have come up with a new way around it — they alter how their phone number shows up on caller IDs. New technologies enable scammers, telemarketers, and […]
In 2014 the Colorado Legislature passed the Marijuana Financial Services Cooperative Act, which allows for the creation of what are referred to as “cannabis credit co-ops,” defined as “a cooperative association incorporated…for the twofold purpose of providing specified financial services to its members and creating a source of credit for them.” According to the Act, […]
It’s that time of year when the holiday decorations are coming down, and the Colorado State University Extension reminds us that, if you had a live tree, it is now “bedraggled and has probably become a terrible fire hazard. It’s time to get it out of the house. Please don’t just put it out for […]
Many people are confused by what legally constitutes a service or assistance animal and how (or if) they need to be marked (such as a vest). The General Assembly recently enacted a new law that clarifies these issues as well as provides some assistance for ways business owners can deal with customers who try to […]
Holiday parties and crowded shopping malls, not to mention the possibility for winter weather, can make parking your car a major headache this time of year. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) wants you to be prepared so that your holiday festivities don’t get spoiled by having your car towed. The Public Utilities Commission, […]
The holiday shopping season has arrived, and unfortunately, there are “grinches” out there who want to scam you. Take a look at the Attorney General’s Consumer Holiday Guide for some great tips about secure shopping as well as information about charity fraud. Additionally, here are some tips from the Colorado Division of Banking on how […]
Winter driving season has arrived! The Colorado Department of Transportation offers several services to help you be prepared and aware of road closures and weather conditions. Log on to cotrip.org, or simply dial 511 from anywhere in Colorado. 511 works with both cell phones and land lines. You can also sign up for email or […]
Whether you are just getting started in the world of investing, or are looking to protect the investments you have, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has established a website that provides a “wealth” of consumer information on how to manage and protect your investments. Money: Safeguard Your Hard-Earned Assets includes many consumer tips […]
While gardening last weekend I discovered that my trees are being eaten by Japanese beetles; since then, I’ve spotted them in other parts of town, as well. Biologists say that 2017 is the worst year yet in Colorado for the invasive pests, which up until a few years ago were only found east of the […]