Fraud, Scams, and Identify Theft

Americans lost over $2.7 billion to online frauds and scams last year. These come from phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, dating sites, window pop-ups, fraudulent non-profit organizations, and more. 

Identify Theft - Steps To Take

  • Report identity theft to police
  • Contact Social Security office
  • Place fraud alerts
  • Change your passwords
  • Close fraudulent accounts
  • Watch for other fraud
Online Fraud Image

Tips to protect yourself from fraud or scamFraud sign with magnifying glass

  1. Scams have a sense of urgency. If the person communicating with you is pressuring you, be aware. 
  2. If you don't know the person face-to-face, don't send money. 
  3. You cannot win a prize or contest you never entered. 
  4. Are they claiming there is an emergency with someone you love and are requesting money? Text or call the person claimed to be in trouble to ensure they are okay. 
  5. Be aware of spoofing, a phone number may look correct, but is not actually a call from that number. Phone numbers and accounts are easily stolen or duplicated to appear that they are contacting you as a person you know and trust - this includes the Police Department phone numbers. 
  6. Law enforcement will never solicit money from you., If you are talking to an officer on the phone and it seems questionable, call them back on the dispatch number at 970.879.1144. Law enforcement names can be taken off the internet and impersonated. 
  7. If it seems too good to be true, be aware. Are they selling something that you can't believe is that good of a deal? Are they the absolute perfect human that you can't believe you've met online? 
  8. Scammers are paid through Bitcoin, gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, and other non-traditional means. Legitimate government agencies will never ask for payment through these sources. 
  9. Pay attention to how much personal information you share. Never share personal identifying information, address, passwords, or account information. 
  10. A large portion of scams are also extortion (and can be sextortion if you are exchanging nude photographs). If someone is threatening you, report it to law enforcement immediately. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. 

Tips for victims of fraud or scam

  1. Report to non-emergency dispatch number: 970-879-1144
  2. Take a screenshot or picture of:
    • Messages or anything else applicable (phone numbers, etc.)
    • Obtain bank statements (PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, etc.)
    • Write down what you remember as soon as you realize you are a victim of a fraud or scam including:
      • Timeline
      • What you shared
      • What they told you
      • How it happened
      • Any other details
  3. An officer or detective will work with you in documenting what has occurred, work to figure out who did this to you, and guide you to protect yourself in the future. 
  4. Notify your bank
  5. Notify you credit card company (if applicable)
  6. Change your passwords
  7. Consider two-factor authentication to help secure your accounts
  8. Close fraudulent accounts
  9. Watch out for additional fraud and monitor your credit
  10. Report to Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Trade Commission