When COVID-19 hit, many Americans saw the internet as a lifeline—connecting them to family
and friends, work colleagues, health care services and online shopping for necessities such as
groceries. Internet crime has jumped in Colorado and nationwide amid the pandemic. And while
people have largely returned to meeting and shopping in person, online fraud remains stubbornly
high.
In 2021, victims in Colorado lost more than $130 million to cybercriminals, according to the
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. That’s about double the more than $65 million in losses
reported in 2019. Colorado consistently ranks among the top 10 states for fraud reports related to
online shopping and negative reviews, Federal Trade Commission data shows. Such reports
include businesses that don’t disclose costs, try to prevent people from leaving honest reviews
about products or services they bought or refuse to honor a guarantee on online purchases.
Online thieves may promise free products, request payment information, or claim your computer
has been infected with a virus. They often make contact through text messages, phishing emails,
social media, and pop-up ads.
During a recent telephone town hall, state Attorney General Phil Weiser warned that con artists
often resort to pressure tactics, and he urged consumers not to make decisions in the moment.
Weiser’s office is also targeting criminals who misuse online platforms to sell stolen goods—a
growing problem that he says increases costs for businesses and for consumers. A state law,
which took effect Jan. 1, aims to curb Internet fraud. It requires online marketplaces to identify
sellers, verify seller information and provide a tool so consumers can flag and report suspicious
activity.
Learn more about how to protect yourself online at aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/elderwatch.
Also find previous ElderWatch fraud presentations at vekeo.com/aarpelderwatchcolorado. To
report fraud, go to the site www.stopfraudcolorado.gov or call the AARP ElderWatch Colorado
Helpline at 800-222-4444. Courtesy AARP.