πŸ“… 2026 Update: Changes in Colorado's Consumer Protection Landscape

Since the article was written, there have been several significant changes in how consumer protection is handled in Colorado. The number of complaints filed with the Attorney General's Office reached a record high, and new programs have been established to support consumers. The earlier article continues further down the page, detailing foundational information about the role of the Attorney General in consumer protection.

πŸ“ˆ Record Number of Complaints

In 2025, Colorado consumers filed 26,993 complaints with the Attorney General's Office. This surpassed the previous record of 24,473 set in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the prior year. This rise reflects growing consumer awareness and willingness to report issues.

πŸ› οΈ New Consumer Mediation Program

In 2023, the Colorado Department of Law launched a Consumer Mediation Program. This program helps resolve disputes between consumers and businesses through informal negotiations. It presents a quicker and often less stressful way to address issues without going to court.

πŸ’΅ Free Complaint Filing

Filing a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General's Office remains free of charge. Consumers can easily submit complaints online or by calling. This accessibility helps ensure that more people can report unfair business practices.

⏰ Processing Times for Complaints

When a complaint is filed, the Attorney General's Office acknowledges it quickly. Consumers receive email updates and can check their complaint's status. Companies are expected to respond within 15 days, with some cases requiring a final response within 60 days.

πŸ“Š Key Complaint Categories

In 2025, the top categories for complaints included Retail Sales, Professional Services, and Debt Collection. This data helps the Attorney General's Office focus its efforts on the areas where consumers face the most issues.

πŸ“Œ Key Points Summary

  • πŸ“ˆ Record 26,993 complaints filed in 2025
  • πŸ› οΈ New Consumer Mediation Program established
  • πŸ’΅ No filing fees for complaints
  • ⏰ Companies must respond within 15 days
  • πŸ“Š Top complaint areas include Retail Sales and Debt Collection

πŸ’‘ Tips for Filing Complaints

Before proceeding, it is essential to go over the details of your own situation with your attorney.

πŸ–₯️ Submit Complaints Online

Consumers can conveniently file complaints online through the Colorado Attorney General's website. This method is fast and allows for easy tracking of the complaint status.

πŸ“ž Call for Assistance

If online submission is not an option, consumers can file complaints by calling 800-222-4444. This provides an alternative for those who may not be comfortable with online processes.

πŸ“§ Stay Informed

Once a complaint is submitted, consumers will receive email updates about their complaint status. Keeping an eye on these updates is crucial for staying informed.

🀝 Utilize the Mediation Program

If eligible, consumers may have their complaints selected for the Consumer Mediation Program. This offers an informal way to resolve disputes with businesses, potentially leading to a quicker resolution.

🚫 Report Scams Promptly

Consumers are encouraged to report issues as they arise, especially scams. There is no deadline for filing complaints, so timely reporting can help protect others.

πŸ† Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

No national paid service in this area met the review threshold, so this section lists free government and nonprofit resources available in Colorado.

πŸ₯‡ 1. Consumer Mediation Program

This program offers free assistance for resolving disputes between consumers and businesses. It focuses on informal negotiations, making it accessible for all Colorado residents.

πŸ₯ˆ 2. Stop Fraud Colorado

Stop Fraud Colorado provides vital resources to help individuals identify and report fraudulent or unfair behavior. This program aims to prevent consumers from falling victim to scams and deceptive practices.

πŸ₯‰ 3. Colorado Department of Law

The Colorado Department of Law oversees consumer protection efforts in the state. They help address issues related to unfair business practices and provide guidance on filing complaints.

4️⃣ Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC)

The UCCC regulates consumer credit terms and conditions in Colorado. It ensures that consumers are informed about maximum rates and charges, protecting them from unfair credit practices.

5️⃣ Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (CFDCPA)

The CFDCPA governs the actions of debt collectors and collection agencies. It protects consumers from harassment and unfair practices, ensuring fair treatment in debt collection.

πŸ”Ž Before Paying for Help

  • πŸ›οΈ Verify government resources before paying anyone.
  • πŸ“ Look for reviews from other users.
  • πŸ” Check if the service offers free options.
  • πŸ“ž Confirm the legitimacy of any organization before engaging.
  • πŸ“… Ensure the organization has a clear process for complaints.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What should I do if my complaint isn't resolved?

If a complaint is not resolved, consumers can follow up with the Attorney General's Office. They may provide additional options for addressing the issue.

πŸ“… How long does it take to process a complaint?

The Attorney General's Office generally acknowledges complaints quickly. Companies are expected to respond within 15 days, and some responses may take up to 60 days.

πŸ” What types of complaints can I file?

Consumers can file complaints related to unfair business practices, such as retail sales, debt collection, and professional services. Any Colorado resident can submit a complaint.

πŸ› οΈ Is there a deadline for filing a complaint?

There is no specific deadline for filing complaints with the Colorado Attorney General's Office. Consumers are encouraged to report issues as they arise.

πŸ“ž Can I get help with filing a complaint?

Yes, consumers can call 800-222-4444 for assistance with filing a complaint. This provides guidance and support throughout the process.

βš–οΈ What happens after I file a complaint?

After filing, consumers will receive acknowledgment and updates via email. The Attorney General's Office will review the complaint and take appropriate action based on the findings.

βš–οΈ Recent Cases Connected to Consumer Protection

Recent court rulings highlight significant consumer protection issues in Colorado. These rulings often involve businesses accused of unfair practices or deceptive behavior.

For more details, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



What is the Attorney General Colorado?



The Colorado Attorney General is a legal and administrative position undertaken by the appointed individual serving as the primary attorney – or Colorado lawyers – on behalf of the State of Colorado; the appointment of the Attorney General Colorado takes place through a statewide election. Although the Attorney General Colorado undertakes a vast array of duties and responsibilities, amongst the foremost of their responsibilities is to serve the collective citizenship of the State of Colorado through legislative advocacy and the guardianship of legal statutes:



The Attorney General Colorado



The Colorado Attorney General is Republican John Suthers, who was elected in 2005:



John Suthers’ term ends in 2015



John Suthers received his legal degree from the Law School at the University od Colorado



The Office of the Attorney General Colorado



The Office of the Attorney General of the State of Colorado is located in the State Building in Denver, Colorado



Criminal Justice Duties of the Colorado Attorney General



The various divisions of the Attorney General Colorado include the following:



Office of the Attorney General



Administration



Business and Licensing



Civil Litigation and Employment Law



Consumer Protection



Criminal Justice



Natural Resources and Environment



Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST)



State Services



The History of the Colorado Attorney General



The first Colorado Attorney General was James E. Dalliba, who served from 1861 to 1862



The Legal Process and Procedure of the Attorney General Colorado



Administrative Law and the Colorado Attorney General



Administrative Law is the legal field associated with events and circumstances in which Federal and State Governments of the United States interact with their respective citizens, including the administration of government programs, the creation of agencies, the establishment of a legal, regulatory standard; as a result, the Colorado Attorney General is an example of a State officer responsible for the protection and preservation of the rights and liberties afforded to the citizens of the State of Colorado.



In addition to serving as the primary prosecuting attorney on behalf of the State of Colorado, the Attorney General Colorado also serves as the chief advocate of legislature and statutory regulation existing within the State of Colorado



Common Law and the Colorado Attorney General



The Colorado Attorney General is identified as an officer within the legal realm of Common Law, which is the legal field and ideology considered to rely on past legal statutes, sentencing, and judicial review to serve as guidelines for sentencing; both the reference and respect of past judicial decisions as a means of determination for current legal hearings is amongst the primary ideologies inherent within Common Law:



In many cases, the Attorney General Colorado will employ the legal ideology of ‘Stare Decisis’ with regard to appellate hearings requested within the State of Colorado; Stare Decisis facilitates a hierarchy with regard to legal venue, within which the process of appeals is determined for potential hearings



Upon the ruling set forth by a court classified as a ‘lower’, an appeal may be subject to judicial review by a court ‘classified as ‘higher’ only in the event that the ‘higher court’ has cited fault within the initial sentencing; however, case decisions, rulings, and Colorado Attorney General Colorado judicial review will be cited as primary sources with regard to sentencing



Contacting the Colorado Attorney General



The Office of the Colorado Attorney General may be contacted through the following means:



Address for the Office of the Colorado Attorney General



Office of the Attorney General



1525 Sherman Street



7th floor



Denver, Colorado



80203



Telephone Numbers for the Offices of the Attorney General Colorado



The telephone number for General Information is (303) 866-4500; however the following supplementary telephone numbers – with regard to specific legal issues – are as follows:



Consumer Complaint Line: (303) 866-5189



Collection Agency Consumer Complaints and Information: (303) 866-5304



Collection Agency Licensing: (303) 866-5706



Supervised Lending Consumer Complaints: (303) 866-4494



Supervised Lender Licensing: (303) 866-4527