Key Findings
Colorado is breaking fraud records. AG Phil Weiser's office received 27,000 consumer complaints in 2025, an all-time high representing a 10% increase over 2024's previous record of 24,473. ScamVerify™ analysis of 9.7 million FTC phone complaint records reveals 149,471 complaints from 58,517 unique scam numbers across just 4 Colorado area codes. Spam calls in Colorado increased 105.81% year over year according to ThisNumber data.
Colorado's scam landscape has two distinctive features. First, the state has only 4 area codes but averages 37,368 complaints per code, the second-highest per-code ratio after Arizona (42,677). Second, Xcel Energy impersonation has evolved beyond simple threats: scammers have duplicated Xcel's entire IVR phone system so that when victims call back the spoofed number, they hear what sounds like a legitimate Xcel menu, making it nearly impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Colorado residents lost $210.7 million to fraud in 2024 (FTC data).
All 4 Colorado Area Codes: Ranked by Complaints
| Rank | Area Code | Region | Numbers | Complaints | Per # | In-State % | Nat'l Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 720 | Denver (overlay) | 15,846 | 41,866 | 2.6 | 64.1% | #51 |
| 2 | 970 | Northern CO | 16,091 | 40,219 | 2.5 | 58.4% | #64 |
| 3 | 719 | Colorado Springs | 15,063 | 38,610 | 2.6 | 52.0% | #74 |
| 4 | 303 | Denver (original) | 11,517 | 28,776 | 2.5 | 73.9% | #150 |
| Total | 58,517 | 149,471 | 2.5 avg | 62.1% avg |
All 4 area codes rank in the national top 150. The established 303 Denver code has the highest in-state targeting (73.9%) and the lowest complaint count, while the overlay 720 leads with 41,866 complaints but lower in-state targeting (64.1%).
Denver Metro: Two Codes, One Target
The Denver metro is served by 303 (original) and 720 (overlay), covering the same geographic territory but with different scam exploitation patterns.
| Area Code | Coverage | Complaints | In-State % | #1 Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 720 | Denver (overlay) | 41,866 | 64.1% | Impersonation (3,949) |
| 303 | Denver (original) | 28,776 | 73.9% | Medical (2,972) |
| Denver Total | 70,642 |
Denver's two codes generate 70,642 complaints (47.3% of the state total). The 303/720 split follows the established/overlay pattern seen in every state: the original 303 has higher in-state targeting and medical as its top category, while the overlay 720 has lower in-state targeting with impersonation and debt leading.
Xcel Energy impersonation is concentrated in the Denver metro. Scammers spoofed Xcel's number and, in a sophisticated escalation, replicated Xcel's entire IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system. When victims called back the spoofed number, they heard automated prompts that sounded identical to the real Xcel phone tree. Hundreds of Denver-area consumers reported the scam.
Colorado Springs and Northern Colorado
| Area Code | Coverage | Complaints | In-State % | #1 Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 719 | Colorado Springs | 38,610 | 52.0% | Debt reduction (5,057) |
| 970 | Northern CO / Fort Collins | 40,219 | 58.4% | Impersonation (5,548) |
Colorado Springs (719) has the lowest in-state targeting in the state at 52%, with debt reduction as its #1 category at 5,057 complaints and an 86.4% robocall rate. This indicates 719 is being used for nationwide debt robocall campaigns, not just targeting Colorado Springs residents.
Northern Colorado's 970 leads with impersonation (5,548 complaints) and has the second-highest debt count (4,870 at 78% robocall rate). Fort Collins, Greeley, and mountain resort communities (Vail, Aspen, Steamboat Springs) are all within 970.
Colorado's Scam Category Profile
| Rank | Scam Category | Complaints | Robocall % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government/business impersonation | 15,499 | 63.7% |
| 2 | Debt reduction | 13,974 | 77.1% |
| 3 | Medical and prescriptions | 9,835 | 53.4% |
| 4 | Warranties and protection plans | 3,791 | 60.1% |
| 5 | Home improvement and cleaning | 2,911 | 34.0% |
| 6 | Energy, solar, and utilities | 2,628 | 61.9% |
| 7 | Charities | 1,284 | 47.6% |
| 8 | Tech support | 1,091 | 61.6% |
Impersonation and debt reduction are tightly clustered at the top (15,499 vs. 13,974). Home improvement ranks #5 at 2,911 with a 34% robocall rate (mostly live-operator calls), reflecting Colorado's expensive housing market and active renovation economy.
The AG reported a notable paradox: imposter scam complaints declined 28% in 2025 even as total complaints hit a record 27,000. Weiser cautioned that the decline may mean people stopped reporting imposter scams rather than scammers stopping. Colorado enforced its Colorado Privacy Act starting in 2025, adding a data protection angle to scam prevention by limiting the personal data that feeds scam operations.
Top 10 Most Reported Colorado Phone Numbers
| Rank | Phone Number | Complaints | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (719) 401-6911 | 139 | Home improvement (100%) |
| 2 | (719) 416-5683 | 127 | Mixed |
| 3 | (970) 335-9206 | 112 | Debt reduction (85.7%) |
| 4 | (719) 645-7944 | 101 | Mixed |
| 5 | (720) 812-5628 | 99 | Mixed (impersonation) |
| 6 | (303) 778-1000 | 98 | Home improvement (60.2%) |
| 7 | (970) 345-3780 | 97 | Mixed |
| 8 | (719) 245-4464 | 94 | Mixed |
| 9 | (303) 813-5328 | 88 | Mixed |
| 10 | (720) 615-7342 | 85 | Mixed |
(719) 401-6911 from Colorado Springs is a dedicated home improvement scam line: all 139 complaints are for home improvement and cleaning. (303) 778-1000 from Denver also focuses on home improvement (59 of 98 complaints). (970) 335-9206 is a debt reduction operation at 85.7% concentration. Three of the top 10 are from 719 Colorado Springs.
Neighbor Spoofing: The Colorado Pattern
| Area Code | In-State % | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| 303 Denver (original) | 73.9% | Local targeting |
| 720 Denver (overlay) | 64.1% | Mix local/national |
| 970 Northern CO | 58.4% | Leaning national |
| 719 Colorado Springs | 52.0% | Nationwide campaigns |
Colorado's statewide average of 62.1% in-state targeting is the lowest of any state in our recent series, suggesting Colorado area codes are disproportionately used for out-of-state campaigns. Colorado Springs (52%) in particular is functionally a nationwide spoofing code similar to Louisville's 502 (46.1%). The presence of Fort Carson and the U.S. Air Force Academy in the 719 area may also contribute to military-targeted scams.
Colorado vs. Other States
| State | Area Codes | Complaints | Per Code Avg | AG Complaints 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 5 | 213,383 | 42,677 | N/A |
| Colorado | 4 | 149,471 | 37,368 | 27,000 (record) |
| Massachusetts | 9 | 148,586 | 16,510 | N/A |
| Indiana | 7 | 143,882 | 20,555 | N/A |
Colorado's 37,368 per-code average is the second-highest after Arizona (42,677), confirming that states with fewer area codes see higher individual-code complaint volumes. AG Weiser's office received an average of 74 consumer complaints per day in 2025. The FBI Denver office warned specifically about law enforcement impersonation scams in early 2026, and the Colorado State Patrol issued a warning in March 2026 about spoofed CSP text messages.
What Coloradans Can Do
- Check any suspicious number on ScamVerify's phone lookup before calling back. Colorado has 58,517 known scam numbers in our database.
- Report scam calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the CO AG at StopFraudColorado.gov or 1-800-222-4444.
- Do not trust callbacks to utility numbers. Scammers have replicated Xcel Energy's entire IVR system. If someone threatens disconnection, hang up and navigate to Xcel's website directly at xcelenergy.com to contact them.
- Be cautious of home improvement pitches. Colorado's #5 scam category is home improvement (2,911 complaints, 66% live-operator). Verify any contractor's license with the Colorado DORA at dora.colorado.gov.
- Report to the AG's record-breaking office. With 27,000 complaints in 2025 (74/day), the AG is actively using consumer reports for enforcement. Every report contributes.
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FAQ
How many scam complaints did Colorado receive in 2025?
AG Phil Weiser's office received a record 27,000 consumer complaints in 2025, a 10% increase over 2024's previous record of 24,473 (averaging 74 per day). FTC data shows 149,471 phone complaints from Colorado area codes in our database. Colorado residents lost $210.7 million to fraud in 2024. Spam calls increased 105.81% year over year.
Why does Colorado have such high per-area-code complaint volumes?
Colorado has only 4 area codes covering a population of 5.9 million, giving it the second-highest per-code average (37,368) of any state after Arizona (42,677). Fewer area codes means each one carries more scam traffic. The Colorado Springs 719 code at 52% in-state targeting is being used as a nationwide spoofing tool, similar to patterns seen in Louisville and Syracuse.
What is the Xcel Energy IVR scam?
Scammers spoofed Xcel Energy's phone number and, in a sophisticated escalation, replicated their entire IVR (Interactive Voice Response) phone system. When victims called back the spoofed number, they heard automated prompts identical to the real Xcel phone tree. Hundreds of Denver-area consumers reported the scam. Xcel Energy confirmed they never threaten immediate disconnection by phone.
What types of scams target Coloradans the most?
Government/business impersonation leads with 15,499 complaints (63.7% robocall rate), followed by debt reduction at 13,974 (77.1%) and medical at 9,835 (53.4%). Home improvement ranks #5 at 2,911, and energy/utility is #6 at 2,628. The AG noted a 28% decline in imposter scam complaints in 2025 despite record total complaints, cautioning this may reflect underreporting.
How do I report a scam call in Colorado?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Colorado AG at StopFraudColorado.gov or 1-800-222-4444. Colorado's AG office is on track to exceed its 2025 complaint record, and consumer reports directly support enforcement actions. For utility scams, also report to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999.
