DENVER -- Using federal coronavirus stimulus checks as bait, criminals are finding new ways to separate Coloradans from their money.

On Thursday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser will join a webinar organized by AARP Colorado to give residents tips for avoiding fraud during the public health crisis. Weiser said scammers ramp up efforts during times of crisis, when people are afraid and looking for hope and solutions.

"So, for example, 'You want to get tested quickly, and not have to wait on lines? Just go ahead and give us your credit card number.' These are the sorts of scams that we're seeing now," Weiser said. "And we need people to know about them so they can protect themselves."

Weiser said since the federal government has not yet cut a single stimulus check, anyone promising cash now is up to no good. He added the government will not require any payment to get checks, and will not call to ask for Social Security or Medicare numbers.

To register for the webinar, visit www.aarp.org/co and click on upcoming events.

Robocalls continue to be a tool of choice for crooks. Weiser advised not to assume an incoming call is an official from a company or the government. The best way to ensure you're talking to someone legitimate is to initiate the call yourself.

"Those robocalls are designed to get you to part with your money. So the best thing to do when you get one of those robocalls, don't even answer it. Let it go to voicemail," he said. "If it's legitimate, you'll get a voicemail. But most of the time they're scammers and they won't even leave one."

Scammers also have set up websites to sell fake treatments and other bogus products, and have convinced people to donate money to fake victims' charities using emails, texts and social media posts.

To report scams, contact Stop Fraud Colorado toll free at 800-222-4444 or online at www.StopFraudColorado.gov.


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As parts of Southern California suffer with triple-digit temperatures, state lawmakers are set to vote today on two bills to study and mitigate heat waves.

Assembly Bill 2238 would create a heat-ranking system like we already have for tornadoes and hurricanes. David Azevedo, associate director of AARP California, said heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the country.

"Older people are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to weakened cardiovascular systems, pre-existing health conditions," said Azevedo, "and the fact that many prescription medications used by older people impact temperature regulation and hydration."

California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment, in 2018, predicted that excess deaths due to extreme heat could hit 4,300 per year by 2025, and 11,000 in 2050 if trends continue.

Azevedo said a second bill - Assembly Bill 2076 - would fund projects to increase tree canopies, build shaded bus shelters, install so-called "cool pavement" and retrofit buildings to make them more heat-resistant.

"AB 2076 would also create an extreme heat and health reporting system," said Azevedo, "which will receive and analyze data from local health departments, clinics and hospitals to better identify where extreme heat is most negatively harming communities."

The bill also would create the country's first "chief heat officer." The two bills are in the committee's "suspense file," which means they could get an up-or-down vote without a hearing.

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill which could dramatically reduce prescription drug prices for older Americans.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes investments of nearly $370 billion in programs to reduce the effects of climate change, as well as changes aimed at capping prescription drug costs.

Provisions in the bill would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and cap insulin copays at $35 a month for people with Medicare Part D.

Cathy MacCaul, advocacy director for AARP Washington, said there are other important parts of the bill as well.

"It caps out-of-pocket prescription drug prices on Medicare Part D to $2,000 each year," MacCaul explained. "Which is going to be a huge financial relief to a lot of older Americans who pay so much more than that for their prescription drugs."

MacCaul pointed out it would also hold drug companies accountable if they raise prices faster than the rate of inflation. Republicans have condemned the bill, warning despite its name, the legislation could exacerbate the country's economic woes. The measure now heads to the U.S. House for a vote.

MacCaul noted prescription costs have been a persistent issue for older Washingtonians. She recalled one AARP member she spoke with, named John, pays $500 a month for his heart medication.

"That's $6,000 a year," MacCaul stressed. "$6,000 a year that he is paying, just so his heart is healthy enough to help him continue to live. That's outrageous."

MacCaul believes there is a lot to celebrate in the Inflation Reduction Act, adding Medicare has been unable to negotiate drug prices for two decades.

"Congress is really on the verge of finally bringing prescription drug price relief to seniors, and really, that cannot be underemphasized," MacCaul stated. "This is a historic moment."

A new report suggested changing how we talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Wyoming and the nation respond to this growing sector of criminal activity.

Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, which teamed up with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation on the study, said most people who experience fraud already are beating themselves up. She argued using language assigning blame to the victim is counterproductive.

"Instead of using words like 'duped' or 'fell for it,' we need to put the blame on the criminal," Nofziger urged. "Money was stolen from that person. They were a victim of this crime."

The Federal Trade Commission estimates the cost of financial fraud reached nearly $6 billion in 2021.

Nofziger pointed out the real cost is likely much higher because many victims are too ashamed to come forward. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud should contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.

Nofziger recommended media outlets, law enforcement, banks and others should avoid language subtly blaming victims, because it downplays the severity of the crime and makes it harder to invest in solutions. She emphasized assigning blame to the perpetrators of fraud will help agencies better understand the actual scope of the problem.

"We don't have the actual count of victims coming forward, and the actual count of money being lost," Nofziger noted. "By changing the language, it does make for victims to come forward in a more comfortable and well-received environment."

While 85% of Americans believe fraud can happen to anyone, 53% of those surveyed identified victims as culpable and blameworthy. Nofziger stressed changing the financial fraud narrative can help more law enforcement officials understand fraud is a crime which should be investigated, instead of a civil matter where someone willingly hands over their money.

"We should be able to coordinate these efforts," Nofziger asserted. "Working with the victims on these cases, working with law enforcement, working with the banks, working with the transfer companies, working with the telecom companies to get victims whole."