CO · Scams & Consumer Issues

Scams & Consumer Issues in Colorado

By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026

Key Colorado Law

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 6-1-105 (Colorado Consumer Protection Act)

The Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) prohibits deceptive trade practices in the course of a person's business. It covers false advertising, misrepresentation, and other unfair or deceptive conduct toward consumers.

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Procedural Details in Colorado

Under CRS Section 6-1-113, private consumers may bring a CCPA action if they suffered actual damages and the defendant's conduct significantly impacts the public. The "public impact" requirement limits purely private disputes from invoking the CCPA. Consumers may recover actual damages or $500 (whichever is greater), plus treble damages for willful violations and attorney fees. The statute of limitations is three years from discovery under CRS Section 6-1-115. The Colorado Attorney General and district attorneys may bring enforcement actions, seek civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation, and pursue injunctive relief. Colorado does not have a comprehensive statewide residential contractor licensing law, though electricians and plumbers must be licensed through the Division of Professions and Occupations. Many local jurisdictions (Denver, Aurora, Boulder) impose their own contractor licensing requirements. Door-to-door sales in Colorado must follow the federal 3-day cooling-off rule.

Colorado Agencies & Resources

Colorado Attorney General — Consumer Protection Section

Handles consumer fraud and deceptive trade practice complaints in Colorado.

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Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations

Licenses electricians, plumbers, and other regulated trades; handles licensing complaints.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What must I show to bring a Colorado Consumer Protection Act claim?

Under CRS Section 6-1-113, you must show: (1) a deceptive trade practice, (2) that you suffered actual damages, and (3) that the conduct significantly impacted the public interest — not just your individual dispute. This public impact requirement can be a hurdle for purely private contractual disputes.

What damages are available under Colorado's Consumer Protection Act?

Consumers may recover actual damages or $500 (whichever is greater). For willful violations, courts may award up to three times actual damages. Attorney fees and court costs are also recoverable. The Colorado AG may separately seek civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation.

How long do I have to file a CCPA claim in Colorado?

Three years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the deceptive act under CRS Section 6-1-115.

Does Colorado license home improvement contractors?

Colorado does not have a statewide residential contractor licensing law, but local jurisdictions like Denver and Boulder do require licenses. Always check local requirements and verify insurance and references before hiring. Electricians and plumbers must hold state licenses through the Division of Professions and Occupations.

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By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026