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Utah Commerce agencies unveil campaign character, urge quick reporting as scams target seniors
Summary
Officials from the Utah Department of Commerce and the Division of Consumer Protection discussed a renewed public-awareness push during a sponsored interview for National Consumer Protection Week, introducing a campaign character and urging families to report scams quickly to DCP.Utah.gov or their banks and credit bureaus.
Officials from the Utah Department of Commerce and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection urged Utahns to watch for scams aimed at older adults during a sponsored interview marking National Consumer Protection Week.
The agencies described an ongoing “scam a lot” advertising campaign and said Governor Cox has unveiled a broader program to protect the state’s aging population. As part of the outreach, the Department of Commerce and the Division of Consumer Protection plan to roll out a new campaign character, “Queen Trustworth,” as a public-facing symbol to encourage vigilance among seniors and their families.
Katie Haas, a representative of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, said the office is seeing “a flood of different techniques,” ranging from scam text messages claiming unusual account activity to toll-related fraud. “It’s all someone just trying to get someone’s money, and to get information about you,” Haas said. She advised caution when responding to unexpected phone calls or texts.
Margaret Bussey, a representative of the Utah Department of Commerce, emphasized prompt reporting if someone has been scammed. “Report it quickly,” Bussey said, directing people to DCP.Utah.gov. She added that if personal or financial information has been shared, callers should contact their bank or credit bureau immediately. “No matter what, if you start with the Commerce Department, we will always get you in the right place if it’s not the right place to go,” Bussey said.
The interview noted that advances in technology—including frauds that use artificial intelligence—have made scams more sophisticated and more likely to target older adults who may be less familiar with evolving platforms. Both officials recommended family members and caregivers monitor financial and account alerts and to report suspicious contacts without responding to them.
For resources and to file reports, the officials cited DCP.Utah.gov and scams.utah.gov. The agencies said they will promote the websites and the campaign through their advertising efforts during National Consumer Protection Week.
The interview did not announce specific new laws, budget allocations, or formal policy changes; it focused on consumer education, existing reporting channels, and the new campaign character.
