Fraud, Scams, and Cyber Safety Resources
Use the information on the linked webpages, compiled by several federal, state and local government groups, to learn how to spot warning signs, protect your family, and report crimes.
Use the phone numbers and links at the bottom of the webpage if you need help or to contact someone.
Explore our awareness guides
Cybersecurity, AI, and Online Safety
Understand the digital threats lurking in your inbox, text messages, social media feeds, search engines, and AI chatbots. This guide provides actionable steps to secure your email, protect your passwords, navigate AI tools safely, and recognize compromised accounts.
- Key topics: Email phishing, text message smishing, fake social media ads, malicious QR codes, multi-factor authentication (MFA), AI chatbot safety (what data to keep private), hacked account recovery, and protecting your personal information.
- Quick tip: Never click direct links or buttons in unexpected messages asking you to verify passwords or personal details—navigate directly to official websites by typing the web address into your browser.
Government and Medicare Scams
Protect yourself from imposters pretending to be government officials, sheriff's deputies, or Medicare representatives. Learn the crucial differences between official government Medicare and private commercial health insurance offers.
- Key topics: Fake Medicare card scams, jury duty arrest threats, search engine healthcare traps, and identifying official .gov web portals.
- Quick tip: Official Medicare representatives will never call you uninvited, demand your Medicare card number over the phone, or threaten to cancel your coverage.
Preventing Phone and Text Scams
Learn how to identify common imposter scams, tech support traps, and fake emergency calls designed to steal life savings. This guide covers high-risk scenarios and family protection strategies like setting up a family safe word.
- Key topics: Tech support scams, "grandchild in jail" scams, gift card red flags, and setting up family defenses.
- Quick tip: Legitimate businesses, courts, and law enforcement will never demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
How scammers operate
Universal red flags
Across all mediums—phone, text, email, and web—scammers rely on four predictable tactics:
| Scam tactic | What the scammer does |
|---|---|
| Untraceable payment | Insists on untraceable payment methods such as retail gift cards, cryptocurrency kiosks, wire transfers, or cash couriers. |
| Extreme urgency | Forces you to act immediately under threat of arrest, legal action, account suspension, or loss of money. |
| Enforced secrecy | Commands you to stay on the phone and prohibits you from speaking with family members, store clerks, or bank tellers. |
| Sensitive requests | Asks for passwords, credit card numbers, Medicare numbers, or Social Security numbers over the phone or via unverified links. |
What to do if you've been scammed
Immediate action protocol
If you shared sensitive information, gave remote access to your computer, or sent money, take these steps immediately:
| Situation | Action to take |
|---|---|
| Financial compromise | Call your bank, credit card issuer, or gift card company using the phone number on the back of your card or statement. Request an immediate account freeze and stop all pending transactions. |
| Technology compromise | If a scammer gained remote access to your computer, unplug your Wi-Fi router or shut off the machine immediately. Update account passwords from a separate, safe device and consult a trusted professional for assistance. |
| Official reporting | File official reports with local law enforcement and federal oversight agencies to document the incident. |
Current scam cases reported in Mesa County and throughout all of Colorado
Mesa County Sheriff's Department: Their CrimeWatch Scams webpage provides information on the latest scams reported in the county.
A few of them include
State of Colorado: This website provides more information about scams and an opportunity to file a complaint regarding scams, fraud, or other suspicious business activity. Visit the Stop Fraud website to learn more.
Fraud resources offered by County departments
Clerk and Recorder
Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Visit their Fraud Investigations webpage.
- Discover more about welfare and other public assistance programs fraud.
District Attorney (DA) and Criminal Justice Services Department (CJSD)
- Visit the CJSD webpages for Consumer Protection Information and to file a complaint with the Mesa County Consumer Protection Unit.
- Further investigate Identity Theft Information through the DA's Office.
- Find out more about Bad Check Restitution Program offered through CJSD.
Sheriff's Office
Are you a victim of a fraud or a scam?
If you are a Mesa County citizen, file a report with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Citizen Online Reporting System (CopLogic) first.
Other key contacts and reporting directory
To report an issue or crime
| Agency or resource | Action or service provided |
|---|---|
| Mesa County Sheriff's Office |
Call non-emergency dispatch at 970-242-6707 to receive additional assistance. |
| Mesa County District Attorney's Office |
Visit their Investigations webpage for additional guidance on fraud and identity theft. |
| Identity theft recovery | File an official report and create a step-by-step recovery plan at the FTC identitytheft.gov website. |
| Federal Trade Commission |
Call 1-877-382-4357 or submit a report online at the FTC Report Fraud website. |
| FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center |
Submit online cybercrime complaints at FBI IC3 website. |
Additional support and resources
| Agency or resource | Action or service provided |
|---|---|
| National Elder Fraud Hotline |
Call 1-833-372-8311 for dedicated assistance and reporting support. |
| Eldercare Locator | Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website for senior support services. |
| Stop Fraud Colorado | Visit the state website for scam prevention tools, information, and a monthly newsletter with fraud tips. |
About our information and additional resources
The educational information provided on these pages is adapted from official consumer protection and cybersecurity guidance published by federal and national organizations. For more in-depth information, detailed guides, or to file a consumer complaint directly with state and federal agencies, please visit these official partner websites.