FAQ's

Q.

Can my Social Security Number be cancelled?

A.

A common scam is for someone to call posing as a government or law enforcement official. They claim that your social security number is about to be cancelled or revoked because of involvement in a crime. They then try to con you out of money and personal identifying information. Your social security number is not going to be cancelled or revoked. Do not do any of the actions that the caller is telling you to do. Hang up and call your local law enforcement agency or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Victim Advocates right away. (CBI 24 hour hotline 1-855-443-3489)

Q.

Do I need to be a documented citizen or immigrant to receive your services? 

A.

We provide services to ALL victims of crime. We do not differentiate between those victims who are American citizens or legal residents and those who are not.

Q.

How long does my loved one’s case have to go unsolved before it is considered a Cold Case?

A.

The legislative definition of a Cold Case Homicide in Colorado is three (3) years from the date of the crime.

Q.

What can I do if someone has filed tax returns using my ID?

A.

The IRS has an Identity Theft Affidavit (form) that you need to fill out and return to them. This form is called Form 14039. Here is a link to the form and a PDF copy of the form. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039.pdf  

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Here is the link to the IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft

Q.

I am not happy with the way my loved one’s case is being handled. Can you help me?  I need some guidance.

A.

Victim Advocates are able to help you with communication with the investigating law enforcement agency. We can help you get updates, understand what is happening on the investigation and help you understand how the process works. We are here to help you with resources and advocacy.

Q.

I have heard that in Colorado, victims of crime have rights. How do I find out what my rights are, and what I can do if I feel my rights have been violated?

A.

Colorado does have a Victim Rights Act. This was enacted in 1992.  This ensures that crime victims are treated with fairness, dignity and respect and that they are free from intimidation, harassment and abuse. It also ensures that crime victims are informed of critical stages of the criminal justice process and that they may be present for and heard at certain stages.

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Not all crimes are covered by the Victim Rights Act. Here is a link to more information:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj/victim-rights

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If you feel that your rights have been violated, you may contact our victim advocates for support. You may also file a complaint with the VRA Compliance Program:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj/file-vra-complaint

Q.

Do CBI’s Victim Advocates help me find resources for things  I need after the crime like financial assistance, therapy or reporting my crime to the proper authorities?

A.

Yes. CBI’s Victim Advocates will assist you with your needs from reporting the crime to designing a response plan to finding resources for you and your family.

Q.

I just found out someone is using my social security number for employment. This is causing problems with the IRS and with my benefits. What should I do?

A.

Please call the CBI Victim Advocates. We will help you in determining how your social security number is being used, including for wages or possibly other things.  We will then help get fraudulent wages removed and assist you in filing police reports.

Q.

I just wired money to someone I now believe is a scammer. What should I do?

A.

CBI has established a website that allows you to file a complaint that is forwarded to our team for a quick response. It is important to act quickly, so please go to this website as soon as possible. https://www.reportwirefraud.com/

Q.

I’m getting a lot of mail for businesses that I don’t know anything about. Why is this happening and what can I do to make it stop?

A.

This could be a sign that someone is fraudulently using your address for nefarious purposes. It is important that you report this to your local law enforcement agency, the Post Office and to CBI. We have options to help you, and by reporting, you will help us with our investigations of this type of crime.

Q.

I’ve heard about Business Identity Theft. I own a business. How can I protect it?

A.

The Colorado Secretary of State has a great resource for businesses that was compiled with support from the CBI staff. Here is a link: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/ProtectYourBusiness/protectYourBusiness.html