In these troubling times, most of us have come together to (at least virtually!) support each other and our communities. But unfortunately, wide-scale crises tend to bring out those who would try to exploit the situation for their own gain. Because of this, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies and the Colorado Secretary of State’s […]
Tag: consumer
Home Modifications for People with Disabilities and the Elderly
A recent addition to our library collection is the Colorado Division of Housing’s Home Modification Look Book. This publication provides helpful guidance on making accessibility modifications to the homes of people with disabilities and/or the elderly. Wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and bathroom modifications such as grab bars and walk-in/roll-in tubs and showers are among the […]
Beware of Government Impersonation Scams
So far this year, more than 12,000 people nationwide have fallen victim to government impersonation scams, resulting in a collective loss of $112 million, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI and other agencies are warning consumers to be on the lookout for these malicious scams. This month, the FBI’s Denver division warned […]
Health Insurance Enrollment Information
Open enrollment for 2020 private health insurance coverage is going on right now. If you have questions about buying or renewing private health insurance, the State of Colorado has set up several helpful websites. Connect for Health Colorado is “Colorado’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace.” Included on their website are such helpful features as “Health Insurance […]
Genetic Testing Scams Targeting Seniors
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is warning of a new type of scam that attempts to gain access to seniors’ personal and medical information. Genetic testing services are growing in popularity. Many people are using genetic testing to learn about their family history and identify potential predisposition to diseases. DORA wants consumers, especially […]
Life Insurance Policy Locator
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)’s Division of Insurance provides helpful tools on its website to assist Colorado consumers with the life insurance process. One of these, the Life Insurance Policy Locator, helps consumers locate policies belonging to deceased loved ones. “Each year, millions of dollars in life […]
Opioid Addiction Resources
The State of Colorado offers many resources to assist people who are struggling with opioid addiction and abuse. OpiRescue. This app, funded by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), provides a quick and easy way to connect with emergency services, recognize an overdose, find treatment, and more. Lift the Label. Also a project of […]
Plan Your Career with My Colorado Journey
Are you looking for a tool to help you navigate the complex web of education and career opportunities in Colorado? Then take a look at My Colorado Journey, a new, free resource from the State of Colorado that just debuted this summer. What is My Colorado Journey? My Colorado Journey is designed for anyone ages […]
Senior Health Insurance and Medicare
Navigating the many options for health insurance can be challenging, and if you’re getting close to the age where you can qualify for Medicare, you may be wondering where to start. The Colorado Division of Insurance has many helpful resources to assist you. One useful resource is their guidebook Long-Term Care Planning: Colorado Options, which […]
Beware of Roofing Scams
It’s severe weather season, which means an increase in roofing scams. Frequently, following a hailstorm or heavy winds, scammers will either call you or knock on your door, pretending to be from a roofing company. “We’ll be in your neighborhood doing free roof inspections tomorrow. Is 9am good for you?” is a typical phone call. […]
What to Know When Buying Eggs
With Easter just a few days away, you may be planning to buy eggs. As you look through the many options of eggs available in your local grocery store, you might wonder, what is the difference between the grades? How are eggs inspected for quality? Is there a nutritional difference between white eggs and brown […]
How To Choose an Insurance Agent
The Colorado Division of Insurance recently released a new consumer advisory, How to Choose an Insurance Agent. Here you can find helpful tips including the differences between various types of agents and brokers; what to expect when you meet with an agent for the first time; and how to decide whether to use an agent or […]
Resources on Colorado Liquor Laws
Colorado’s liquor laws change frequently — for instance, you may have noticed that full-strength beer is now sold in your local supermarket. How can consumers and current or prospective business owners learn about the state’s liquor laws and make sure they are in compliance? The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) has numerous helpful resources on […]
Auto Theft Prevention Resources
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% 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 […]
Business Identity Theft
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 […]
Transportation Network Companies
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 […]
Safe Holiday Shopping and Giving
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 […]
Tips for Flying Drones in Colorado
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 […]
Understanding Health Insurance
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 […]
Tips for Avoiding Cyber Scams
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 […]