Colorado consumer complaints hit record high in 2024
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Consumer complaints continue to reach all-time highs in Colorado as scammers grow more sophisticated.
By the numbers: The state Attorney General's Office received more than 24,000 complaints in 2024, a 20% year-over-year increase, many of which came through stopfraudcolorado.gov.
Driving the news: Imposter scams driven by artificial intelligence and complaints about real estate transactions, such as rental contract fees, helped drive the recent spike in complaints.
- The No. 1 area for complaints remains retail sales, such as unauthorized memberships, delivery issues or problems with cancellations of contracts, according to a report issued Monday.
What he's saying: "One of the painful dynamics in our economy is many irresponsible companies take the following perspective: Let's see what we can get away with," Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser tells Axios Denver.
Threat level: When it comes to imposter scams, via phone or email, Weiser recommends "constant vigilance."
- "Here's my advice for consumers: stay nervous when someone contacts you by phone, by text, social media," he continued. "Don't assume that what's being said is real."
What we're watching: The situation could get worse if the Trump administration's effort to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is successful, Weiser said.
- Without federal oversight, the state would have a harder time tracking down bad actors. It's one reason Colorado joined a lawsuit to block the move.