Consumer Resources

ALERT: Fake Firefox & Chrome Update JS file

ALERT! There are some sites, including Yahoo.com that have popups that look very convincing to immediately download a Critical Firefox or Chrome update. Then a download box appears with an option to run or save the update named somefilename.js. Again, it looks really legit, but it is not!

The download box will never just automatically appear at legitimate sites, you would have to click to start the download in most cases.
Real browser updates are .exe files, never .js - that is a javascript that will most likely install something very bad into your browser.
Check the URL (www .xxx .com) Chrome is google.com and Firefox is mozilla.org

These simple things to watch for will always save you in the end.

IRS Phone Scams

Government Agencies will not contact you via telephone or E-mail to settle an outstanding issue, including any payment or fee!

The IRS scam calls have never gone away. Now, however, the calls are supposedly coming from the U.S. Treasury Department or your local Sheriff’s Office. These calls are from scammers, mostly calling from outside the United States, who rout the call through a U.S. Area Code to add legitimacy and fool consumers. They are meant to frighten and scare consumers into acting compulsively by providing a credit card or buying a ‘Green Dot’ money card to make an arrest warrant go away or avoid a court appearance.

Check out this really good article about phone scams ... from Background Checks.org

Internet Safety Tips & Downloads

Stay safe, Stay secure, Stay alert!

Easy steps to insure safety during internet travel and transactions:

Redirection

When using a secured site, always check the status bar to make sure the link you have clicked is where you are being directed to. Our secured server is hosted Intersessions.com, so that should be the first address you see in all of our secured page redirection, if not, cancel the transfer immediately and disconnect from the Internet!

Consumer Alert: Computer Virus Telephone Scam

Consumer Alert: Computer Virus Telephone Scam We always think we could never be fooled by these clever scammers, but think again. They would not continue running the scam if it were not successful.

A recent wave of clients have contacted us after a "representative" from Microsoft, AOL or "The World Wide Web" have called them and told them that their computers were infected, and that they might be financially or even criminally liable for infecting others. The caller then instructs the computer user to log on to their computer, go to a special website and grants them access to their system, so they can fix it immediately.

Get a Recommendation Before You Sign!

Getting a referral from someone you know and trust can make all the difference when hiring a contractor of any kind.

A word of mouth recommendation from someone you know or trust can save you big time!

During our annual monsoons, damage is inevitable. Visits from fly-by-night roofing and general contractors are also an annual event. Make sure you stay safe from scams and disreputable contractors by only choosing someone to do the work that you have completely vetted or who has been recommended by someone you trust.

Free Access to Your Credit Reports - It's Your Right!

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's consumer reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to consumer reporting companies.

Knowing the Facts about Mortgage Fraud

Understanding your mortgage options can keep your investment safe. Colorado has one of the highest rates of mortgage fraud in the nation. Your home is the biggest and potentially most secure asset you will ever have. Unfortunately, the risks of loosing that investment can be just as huge. Below are some links and resources to help protect you from the unscrupulous people out there waiting for you. Keep a few simple tips in mind before you sign or pay anything:

Government & Consumer Watch Groups

Consumer watch groups are usually not-for-profit and created to keep the you safe from scams, schemes and disreputable companies and or products. Most companies out there are honest and decent people that are just trying to do the best job for a fair price, but as seen too many times, that small percentage of bad ones can cause you much trouble and woe.

DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies)

DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. You can check to see if an industry is regulated (most professional services are), register a complaint or simply learn more about your own profession.

Additional Resources

read before signing anything! Be aware! Here are some more resources to help keep your money and your family safe. If you know of more consumer resources that can help others, please use the form below to send us a heads up.

Colorado's No-Call List site: http://www.coloradonocall.com/
National No-Call List site: http://www.donotcall.gov

Moving Companies - US Department of Transportation

Make sure your moving company is licensed with the DOT. Always ask the mover for his DOT number; to check his record call the nearest DOT office. If they give you ANY grief about this - DO NOT hire them!!!!

To assist consumers moving across State lines (Interstate), FMCSA has developed a special section of their Web site. If you experience a problem with your mover, you can file a complaint by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline (888) 368-7238 or online at www.1-888-dot-saft.com.