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  • Top 10 Consumer Complaints and Inquiries in Colorado: 2016 Report

    Top 10 Consumer Complaints and Inquiries in Colorado: 2016 Report

    Attorney General Coffman Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week Unveiling the Top 10 Consumer Complaints and Inquiries in Colorado

    DENVER- In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman today unveiled the list of the top ten consumer complaints reported to her office in 2016. During the 2016 calendar year, consumers filed 8,707 complaints and inquiries with the Consumer Protection Section of the Office of the Attorney General.

    Protecting Coloradans from fraudsters, scam artists and criminals that target consumers is a top priority of my office. Our Consumer Protection Section is here to serve the people, not only through prevention and education efforts, but by reviewing complaints and enforcing the law when consumers have been harmed. I would encourage all consumers to contact us if they think they have been a victim of fraud – said Attorney General Coffman.

    The top 10 types of complaints and inquiries received in 2016 include:  

     

    A number of the complaints involve businesses and individuals against whom the Attorney General has brought enforcement actions, including CashCall, Inc., HSBC, 123 Mountain.com Inc.Alex Carpets, LLC, and Highlands Resorts at Christie Lodge, LLC.  A comprehensive case list can be found on the Colorado Attorney General’s Office consumer protection website at www.stopfraudcolorado.gov/our-cases.

     

    Type & Description of Complaints                           Number of Complaints


    1. Debt Collection Companies                                              977

    These include disputes about whether debt is owed and the amount of the debt owed, as well as claims of harassment and other problematic conduct by debt collectors.


    2. Utility Complaints (cable, telecom and satellite)         404

    These complaints include billing disputes, service or coverage issues, rate changes, and cancellation and termination issues.


    3. Fraudulent or Unwanted Telephone Calls                     402

    These include complaints about phony IRS tax collection scams, and other imposter scams, including tech support scams and phony debt collection scams.


    4. Automobile Dealers, New and Used                                353

    These complaints relate to misrepresentations about the condition of used cars, loss of trade-in vehicles that are sold by the dealer before financing is approved, warranty issues, title issues, and general advertising issues.  This also includes complaints relating to the Volkswagen emissions scandal the Attorney General settled last summer.


    5. Mortgage Lenders                                                               319

    These involve loan modification and foreclosure issues, including complaints that lenders or servicers renege on modification offers, delay modification approval while initiating foreclosure, as well as some complaints involving short sales and other loss mitigation problems.


    6. Schools – Academic College & Universities                   181

    Most of these involve student complaints about for-profit colleges, including amount of tuition, loan repayment, and closure of colleges or programs.


    7. Fraudulent or Unwanted/Spam Email                            117

    These complaints include unsolicited offers of sweepstakes, phishing attempts, and not being removed from email lists when they try to unsubscribe.


    8. Timeshare Resellers                                                           116

    Most of these involve consumers trying to sell their timeshare interests who pay money to a company that claims it has buyers, only to learn that those claims are false.


    9. Telephone (cell phones and equipment)                        95

    These complaints include billing disputes, service or coverage issues, rate changes, and cancellation and termination issues and fees.


    10. Publishers – Books & Magazines                                   93

    These almost all concern direct mail magazine subscriptions where consumers either pay for a subscription they did not receive, or that they were already receiving, or where consumers simply believed that the solicitation was deceptive.

     

     

    StopFraudColorado.gov contains comprehensive resources and information for consumers, and is designed to meet the demand for timely, credible information on scams, to help victims, and to encourage consumers to report fraud. The site makes it easier for Coloradans to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, and streamlines the process for filing fraud reports.  If you believe you have been defrauded or victimized by a Colorado business or nonprofit, file a report by visiting www.stopfraudcolorado.gov or by calling 1-800-222-4444.

     

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  • ‘Gray Market’ Marijuana Regulated

    ‘Gray Market’ Marijuana Regulated

    Cracking Down on ‘Gray Market’ Marijuana

    Bipartisan Bills that would reduce the amount of marijuana being diverted to illicit uses, protect Colorado communities from industrial-scale growing operations and assist law enforcement agencies in enforcing Colorado marijuana laws were introduced on Thursday.

    Colorado law allows up to 99 marijuana plants to be grown on residential property for medical use and places no hard limits on recreational-use home grows. In contrast, of the 28 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use, 12 states ban home growth altogether and no other state allows for more than 16 plants to be grown in a home.

    Colorado is witnessing increasing numbers of large-scale growing operations by criminal enterprises in residential areas involving hundreds of plants.

    HB17-1220, sponsored by Majority Leader KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Assistant Minority Leader Cole Wist, R-Centennial, limits home-grown marijuana to 12 plants — with allowances for larger grows with approval of local officials — to allow for continued legitimate medical cultivation while also setting a statewide standard more in line with those in other states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.

    “Colorado has been a national leader in regulating the medical and retail marijuana market,” Rep. Becker said. “Large home grows that are run for illegal sales undermine our efforts to make sure marijuana stays out of the hands of kids, criminals and cartels. This balances the needs of caregivers who rely on home-grown marijuana for legitimate medical purposes with the need for a regulated market.”

    HB17-1221, sponsored by Reps. Dan Pabon, D-Denver, and Yeulin Willett, R-Grand Junction, creates a grant program to help law enforcement crack down on diversions of marijuana into the black market.

    Colorado has led the nation in regulating medical and recreational marijuana, responding to issues as they arise to preserve the integrity of the industry while ensuring the health and safety of Colorado communities.

    The two bills are to be heard in committee this week.

     

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  • 2017 ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEK EVENTS

    2017 ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEK EVENTS

    CHANGING OF THE SIGN CEREMONY

    WHEN: March 9, 2017
    WHERE: 20th and Blake

    At the corner of 20th and Blake, the City of Denver will rename Blake Street “Tooley” Street, for a short time, in honor of the late Dale Tooley — longtime Denver District Attorney, one-time mayoral candidate and full-time Irishman. This usually takes place between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

    DENVER ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

    WHEN: March 11, 2017
    WHERE: Downtown Denver

    Denver is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 11, 2017, though the actual holiday falls on the following Friday, March 17th. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m., but folks come as early as 6 a.m. to stake out a spot. To catch all the action, the best spectating spot is south of 20th Avenue on Blake Street (renamed Tooley Street for the parade). This area tends to be crowded, so the best place for families to watch the parade is near the end, on Blake Street from 23rd to 27th avenues. The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a festive and fun event for all ages that celebrates Irish culture and heralds the start of spring. It’s one of the largest St. Patty’s day parades west of the Mississippi, and the largest annual parade in Denver, with more than 200,000 people lining the route to enjoy horses and stagecoaches, marching bands, dancers, floats and Irish-themed fun with a Western flair. 

    RUNNIN’ OF THE GREEN

    WHEN: March 12, 2017
    WHERE: 17th and Wazee

    Running of the Green is a family-oriented foot race/walk that is centered around the Irish celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day and springtime. The race benefits Volunteers of America. There is a 7K run/walk race, a 7K challenged athlete race and a 2.2-mile un-timed run/walk. The event starts at 17th and Wazee in Denver’s historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) in front of Union Station, with registration open at 7am and the race starting at 10:15am.

    KEGGS AND EGGS

    WHEN: March 17, 2017
    WHERE: Blake Street Tavern

    This annual live music event, hosted by local radio station Channel 93.3, is favorite of die-hard music fans each year. It kicks off early in the morning — at 7 a.m. — with green beer, whiskey and rock performances on tap right from the get-go. The lineup for 2017 includes American Authors, Bishop Briggs and Bryce Fox. The event is free and open to ages 21 and over.

    IRISH PUBS 

    • FADÓ IRISH PUB DENVER

      Fadó (pronounced f’doe) is the Irish expression meaning “long ago”. The term, commonly used as the preface of old Irish stories, has become the name of one of Denver’s most popular pubs, located just a stone’s throw from Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies in Lower Downtown (LoDo). At Fadó, you’ll find hospitable surroundings, good food and good drink, and friendly conversation — in other words, what the Irish call “craic.” In 2017, Fadó’s will host a St. Patty’s celebration on March 11 and 17, with food trucks, live music and Irish dancers.

    • TILTED KILT PUB & EATERY

      Tilted Kilt is a sports pub that brings classic Celtic decor, big screen TVs, 24 beers on tap and attractive servers all under one roof. The 16th Street Mall location offers patio dining and a large, two-level bar. While paying homage to traditional pub fare, the Kilt also offers burgers, wings and other contemporary food and drinks. For St. Patrick’s Day, ask about special tastings, whiskey specials and check their calendar for more info.

    • SCRUFFY MURPHY’S IRISH PUB

      Scruffy Murphy’s is easily one of the most authentic slices of the Emerald Isle you’ll find in Denver. Just minutes away from Coors Field, Scruffy’s is the perfect place to grab a pint or enjoy some traditional Irish pub fare — shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash and more.

    • MY BROTHER’S BAR

      My Brother’s Bar is a Mile High City institution known for its Beat Generation clientele — this was the watering hole of choice for renowned Beats Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady in the 1950s. Today, not much has changed at My Brother’s Bar — you can still get a pint and a burger for under $10 and enjoy one of the city’s coolest spots. 

    • THE IRISH ROVER

      Amidst the dive-y rock clubs and indie boutiques of South Broadway, you’ll encounter the Irish Rover, a relaxed and friendly pub. Enjoy a pint or two, chat with the locals, sit by the fireplace or on your high stool at the bar. International sports fans love the Rover for its six large televisions, broadcasting rousing football games (European-style, of course).

    • PINTS PUB

      While there are plenty of Irish pubs in Denver, the city also has a fantastic British-style joint in Pints Pub, located just down the street from the Denver Art Museum. At Pints, you’ll find the charm and personality of the “local,” a place that serves as a crossroads for society, where good beer, good food and good conversation are on the bill.

     

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  • SoyNut Butter Co – Possible Ecoli

    SoyNut Butter Co – Possible Ecoli

    The SoyNut Butter Co.

    I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter

    Reason for recall: Possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7

    Distribution: Multi-state: stores, mail order, child care centers and schools

    • 15-ounce plastic jars, “best by” dates July 5, Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, 2018
    • Individual portion cups, “best by” date Aug. 08, 2018
    • 4-pound plastic tubs, “best by” dates July 25 and Nov. 16, 2018

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”173″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”0″ thumbnail_width=”240″ thumbnail_height=”160″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ slideshow_link_text=”CLICK TO VIEW SLIDESHOW” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

     

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  • COLORADO FREEBIES: MARCH 2017

    COLORADO FREEBIES: MARCH 2017

    FREE EVENTS IN MARCH!!

    DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS @ CHATFIELD:
    MARCH 7TH

    CHILDREN’S MUSEUM:
    MARCH 7TH

    DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS:
    MARCH 22ND

    DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE:
    MARCH 13TH

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  • TODAY’S EVENTS – Tuesday, March 7

    TODAY’S EVENTS – Tuesday, March 7

    WHAT’S GOOD TODAY?

    • DOUBLE WAMMIE!!

      1. FREEBIE DAY @ CHILDREN’S MUSEUM!!

      2. FREEBIE DAY @ DENVER’S CHATFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS!!

      Share your moments with us! @I70Scout #DenverFreebies

     

    • Donkey Basketball Game

      The Deer Trail Class of 2017 will host a donkey basketball fundraiser at 7 p.m. in the big gymnasium. Tickets are available for $7 apiece in advance or $10 per person at the door. For additional information, contact Karee Klassen at (303)769-4421, ext. 222.

    • Bennett VFW Post No. 8449

      Bennett VFW Hall @ 6:30 p.m.

    • Deer Trail Town Board

      Town Hall, 255 Second Ave. @ 7 p.m.

    • National Pancake Day

      Anythink Bennett library, 495 Seventh St. @ 10:30 – 12:30 p.m. The batter is mixed and the griddle is hot. Patrons can celebrate National Pancake Day with a stack of hotcakes cooked just for them. 

    • Tuesday Tech

      Anythink Bennett library, 495 Seventh St. @ 4:15 p.m. Students ages 11 and up will celebrate National Pancake Day by printing pancakes in 3D.

    EVERY TUESDAY

    • Story Time

      Anythink Bennett library @ 10 a.m. Kids ages 2-4 will enjoy puppets, songs, finger plays and stories that have stood the test of time.

    • Family Story Time

      Davies Library, Deer Trail @ 11 a.m. Ages 3-5. 

    SCHOOLHOUSE NEWS

    • Mountain View Church Breakfast, HS Band Room @ 7 – 8 a.m.
    • Outlaw Wrestling Club, SES cafeteria @ 5:15 – 7:15 p.m.
    • BOCES Parent Advisory Committee Presentation, HS V-Net Room 106 @ 5:30 – 8 p.m.
    • Strasburg Youth Wrestling Practice, Hemphill Middle School cafeteria @ 6 – 8 p.m.
    • Byers V/J FB Bulldog Football Tutoring @ 7 – 7:45 p.m. 

     

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  • Senate Passes Marijuana Bills with Joint Approval

    Senate Passes Marijuana Bills with Joint Approval

    DENVER — Today, the Senate passed several Republican bills to address issues with marijuana policy, increase public safety, and create workforce pathways. 

    House Bill 1034, carried by Senator Randy Baumgardner (R-Hot Sulphur Springs) aligns law for medical marijuana licenses with the retail marijuana code, allowing medical facilities to move their license across Colorado.

    This is a commonsense fix to align the licensing process for two similar business models selling the same produces,” said Baumgardner. “Reducing barriers and creating a uniform code is one way to help small businesses flourish, no matter the product.”

    House Bill 1034 now continues on to the governor’s desk for approval.

    Senate Bill 187, carried by Senator Larry Crowder, allows non-residents to apply for occupational marijuana licenses. 

    We have a new frontier industry here in Colorado on which young people from other states are looking to Colorado for education and guidance,” said Crowder. “Students and folks in our state temporarily, hoping to learn more about this unique market as they complete their education need a legal pathway to enter their chosen field.

    Senate Bill 187 now moves to the House for consideration.

    Senate Bill 178, sponsored by Senator Vicki Marble (R-Fort Collins) prohibits a court from barring medical marijuana patients from use of marijuana while out on bond. 

    “This is a clean-up expanding upon existing law that allows the use of medical marijuana while on parole or probation,” said Marble. “It is important to remember that medical marijuana patients released on bond have not been convicted of a crime. No judge should have the authority to overturn a doctor’s medical order.”

    Senate Bill 178 will be heard in the Senate on a Third Reading vote before moving to the House.

  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust

    Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust

    Issued for portions of northeastern Colorado

    Issued at 12:00 PM MST, Monday, March 6, 2017 

    Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 

    Affected Area:  portions of northeastern Colorado.  The affected area includes Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma and eastern parts of Weld, Adams and Arapahoe counties.  Cities include, but are not limited to Fort Morgan, Sterling, Julesburg, Holyoke, Akron, Wray and Deer Trail. 

    Advisory in Effect:  12:00 PM MST, Monday, March 6, 2017 to 6:00 PM MST, Monday, March 6, 2017. 

    Public Health Recommendations:  If significant blowing dust is present and reducing visibility to less than 10 miles across a wide area, People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children in the affected area should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor and outdoor exertion.

    Outlook:  Extremely strong winds with a passing storm system will produce areas of blowing dust on Monday.  Areas of blowing dust are already impacting many parts of the advisory area.  Blowing dust will remain possible throughout the advisory area before the wind tapers off during the late afternoon and evening hours on Monday.

    For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx 

    Social Media:

    http://www.facebook.com/cdphe.apcd

    http://twitter.com/#!/cdpheapcd

  • Combatting Cyber Threats…

    Combatting Cyber Threats…

    Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Introduces Bill to Help States Combat Cyber Threat

    Washington, DC  – U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Mark Warner (D-VA), founders of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, along with Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help state, local, and tribal governments more effectively counter cyber threats. The State Cyber Resiliency Act would set up a cybersecurity grant program that would provide resources for states to develop and implement effective cyber resiliency plans. This includes efforts to identify, detect, protect, respond, and recover from cyber threats. It also encourages states to invest in the cybersecurity workforce. 

    According to a 2015 Ponemon Institute study, 50 percent of state and local governments faced six to 25 cyber breaches in the past 24 months. In the past year, hackers also breached more than 200,000 personal voter records in Illinois and Arizona. Most states use less than two percent of their IT budget on cybersecurity.

    “It’s critical that our state and local governments invest in cyber preparedness and training, and I’m proud to work with Senator Warner and Representatives Kilmer and Comstock to create a grant program to help our communities with this effort,” said Gardner. “Colorado is at the forefront of our nation’s cybersecurity efforts and home to the National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs. As the threat of cyber warfare intensifies, it’s important that local governments are properly prepared to deter and protect themselves from cyber-attacks.”

    “One of the fastest growing threats to our country is the danger posed by cyberattacks. From data breaches at retailers like Target and Home Depot to ransomware attacks on cities’ transportation networks, cyberattacks pose a significant threat,” said Warner. “Despite the velocity of the threat, 80% of states lack funding to develop sufficient cybersecurity. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Kilmer and Comstock, and Sen. Gardner, who co-chairs with me the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, to provide grants to state and local jurisdictions so they are better prepared to take on the emerging challenges in the cyber domain.”

    “Cyber-attacks are a threat to our communities,” said Kilmer. “Too often we hear stories of personal records being compromised by hackers punching holes in our cyber defenses. It’s time we had better protection for consumers, workers, businesses, and governments. I’m proud to join with my colleagues to introduce a plan that gives states more tools to fight back against these attacks and encourage the continued growth of a talented cyber workforce in our region and across the nation.”

    “As Chairwoman of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, cybersecurity has been a focus of mine since the beginning of my Chairwomanship,” said Comstock. “I hear stories everyday where personal information of Americans is compromised and used by cyberterrorists. Cybersecurity has become even more critical to our nation as government agencies and private companies rely on technologies that are susceptible to hacking. The resources in the State Cyber Resiliency Act will give states the means necessary to protect their citizens from cyberattacks like those at OPM and IRS so that personal information remains private.”

    “We are proud to support Senator Gardner’s proposed legislation to direct more funding to cybersecurity,” said Ed Rios, CEO of the National Cybersecurity Center based in Colorado Springs. “The collaborative work with Senator Warner is exactly what we need to protect our state and country against cyber threats.”

    “This legislation represents a great partnership between Washington, the states, and local governments to address a very serious issue. The Colorado Municipal League is proud to support Senator Gardner’s efforts,” stated Sam Mamet, Colorado Municipal League Executive Director.

  • Ken Buck Amendment Promotes Federalism

    Ken Buck Amendment Promotes Federalism

    Amendment Requires Federal Consultation with Local Government Prior to Rule Proposals

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) introduced an amendment to the OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act that empowers state, local, and tribal governments to have a say in the regulatory process. The amendment passed the House unanimously and was included in H.R. 1009, which passed on a 241 to 184 vote.

    Often, federal agencies issue proposed rules without adequately consulting the local governments who already have relevant regulatory frameworks and statutes in place, even though the law requires the federal agencies to cooperate with these local governments. In bypassing these state governors and local officials, the federal agencies disregard the practice of cooperative federalism that allows our state and local governments to coexist with the federal government. The introduced amendment strengthens the requirement for federal agencies to consult and coordinate with state, local, and tribal governments prior to issuing new rule proposals.

    “State, local, and tribal officials often know best what our communities need, and this amendment simply requires that they have a say in federal regulations,” Congressman Ken Buck stated. “From interacting with state and local officials in Colorado, I know how much expertise and knowledge they can add to the writing of regulations. This amendment ensures they’re consulted before new federal rules are proposed.”

    The need for consultation and cooperation between federal agencies and local governments was particularly apparent for both the EPA’s Water of the United States rule and the BLM’s Planning 2.0 rule. Both rules were proposed without adequate consultation of local government beforehand.

     


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