Attorney General warns of imposters and government impersonators

Longmont Public Safety and the office of the Colorado Attorney General are warning residents of government impersonators attempting to scam money and private information using the Attorney General’s logo.

This latest attempt at fraudulent behavior and government impersonation demands payment for a supposed debt, according to the Attorney General’s Stop Fraud Colorado program. The impostors may use official looking documents, threats of legal action and other methods of coercion to obtain personal information such as financial records, social security numbers or direct payments.

The Attorney General’s office recommends erring on the side of caution to avoid becoming a victim of these scams. If residents receive a letter, email or phone call from a government agency, look up the number for that agency and call them directly.

To remain safe from fraud and scams, the Attorney General’s office had a few reminders of official government behavior. The government, be it state or federal, will never call, text, email or contact residents directly through social media regarding financial debt. Any emails, texts or social media messages with links from the IRS or another agency are likely fraudulent. 

Likewise, the government agencies and their employees will not ask residents for personal information or payments, including for prizes, unpaid loans or back taxes. Government agencies and employees are not allowed to request wire transfers, nor will they request gift cards or money be added to prepaid debit cards.

Stop Fraud Colorado maintains a list of common scams and fraudulent behavior, including variations on government impersonators. Fraudulent letters can be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspector, while emails can be forwarded and reported to [email protected]. Both Colorado and the U.S. Government maintain Do Not Call lists to report unwanted or fraudulent phone calls. If Colorado residents feel they have been victim of a scam, they are encouraged to report the activity to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.