As the Aspen Acres Fire continues to burn, many families remain under evacuation orders or are waiting to learn the extent of the damage. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of disasters like this by targeting people when they’re most vulnerable.
As you focus on your safety and recovery, here are a few ways to protect yourself and your finances.
Be Alert for Common Disaster Scams
Insurance Fraud
Scammers may claim they can speed up your insurance claim, increase your settlement, or represent your insurance company.
Watch for:
· Requests for upfront fees
· Pressure to sign paperwork immediately
· Promises of guaranteed claim payouts
· Requests for your policy information or banking details before verifying their identity
Protect yourself: Contact your insurance company directly using the phone number on your policy—not a number provided by someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Contractor Scams
With debris removal and rebuilding in high demand, dishonest contractors often move into disaster areas.
Watch for:
· Door-to-door repair offers
· Large upfront cash payments
· No written estimate or contract
· No proof of licensing or insurance
· Requests to sign over your insurance benefits
Protect yourself: Get multiple written estimates, verify credentials, and never pay in full before work is completed
Identity Theft
Lost or damaged personal documents can put your information at risk.
Watch for:
· Unfamiliar charges or withdrawals
· Collection notices for accounts you didn’t open
· Calls, emails, or texts asking you to “verify” personal or financial information
Protect yourself: Monitor your accounts closely, report lost cards immediately and consider placing a fraud alert if sensitive documents were lost.
Disaster Assistance & Charity Scams
Fraudsters may pose as government agencies or charities offering help.
Watch for:
· Requests for payment to apply for disaster assistance
· Pressure to donate immediately
· Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
· Emails or texts asking you to click unfamiliar links
Protect yourself: Apply for assistance only through official agencies and donate only to trusted organizations.
If you want to provide donations, we recommend direct contributions with the United Way of Southern Colorado
Protect Your Property
If you’ve evacuated, secure your property as much as it’s safe to do so, notify your insurance company if your home will be vacant, and keep an inventory of damaged or remaining belongings. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
Recovery Checklist
✔ Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
✔ Take photos and videos of damage before cleanup begins, if it’s safe to do so.
✔ Save receipts for temporary housing, meals, emergency supplies, repairs, and other fire-related expenses.
✔ Keep copies of estimates, claim numbers, receipts, and all communications with your insurance company and contractors.
✔ Verify anyone offering repairs, cleanup, financial assistance, or insurance services before sharing information or making a payment.
We’re Here for You
The Aspen Acres Fire remains active, and recovery may take time. If you notice suspicious account activity, lose your debit or credit card during an evacuation, or have questions about protecting your finances, contact us right away. We’re here to help you safeguard your accounts, replace cards if needed, and support you throughout your recovery.
Stay safe and remember: if someone pressures you to act quickly, asks for money upfront, or requests personal or financial information unexpectedly, take a moment to verify who you’re dealing with before moving forward.
About Minnequa Works Credit Union
Minnequa Works Credit Union has been a trusted financial partner in Southern Colorado since 1937. With deep roots in the region, the credit union is committed to helping members achieve their goals while actively investing in the communities it serves.
As a member-owned institution, Minnequa Works puts people first, offering a wide range of low-cost financial products, competitive loan rates, higher dividends, and personalized, relationship-based banking. The credit union operates with a clear vision of “Helping People Through Their Financial Lives.”
Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Pueblo, Fremont, Chaffee, Saguache, Custer, Alamosa, Huerfano, Las Animas, Otero, or Crowley County. Eligibility also extends through select employer or organizational affiliations, as well as family members of current members.
Minnequa Works Credit Union continues to stand out as The Local Difference, dedicated to delivering modern financial solutions with a personal touch across Southern Colorado.
For more information or to become a member, visit our website at mymwcu.com or stop by any of our branch locations conveniently located throughout the Pueblo-area.
