As we kick off 2026, many of us are setting resolutions to find new jobs or improve our financial health. However, scammers are ready to exploit these goals. This episode explores how to safely stick to your resolutions by identifying red flags in employment and investment opportunities, as well as how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the fraud landscape. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Utah Division of Consumer Protection: dcp.utah.gov

Utah Division of Securities: securities.utah.gov

FINRA BrokerCheck: https://brokercheck.finra.org/

Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov, scams.utah.gov

This episode discusses construction fraud, job abandonment, unlicensed contractors, and the importance of verifying professional licenses. It also discusses common contractor scams, red flags, and how to protect yourself from them. Learn about the importance of hiring licensed contractors, the role of the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, and how to report issues. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Utah Department of Commerce: commerce.utah.gov

• Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL): dopl.utah.gov

• 7 Steps to Hiring a Contractor Pamphlet: https://dopl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/steps-to-hiring-a-contractor.pdf

• Construction Business Registry: https://dopl.utah.gov/construction-business-registry/

• Standard Residential Construction Contract: https://dopl.utah.gov/contracting/construction-contract/

• Residence Lien Recovery Fund: https://dopl.utah.gov/residence-lien-recovery-fund/

• Verify a License: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

• Scams.utah.gov: scams.utah.gov

• Division of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.utah.gov

Join us for a discussion about senior scams, a serious issue where individuals 80 and older lose more money than any other age group. This episode dives into common scam tactics, including fear-based, excitement-based, and romance-based impostor scams. Learn to recognize red flags and get tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones. Please note that the Department of Commerce, along with its divisions and offices, refrains from commenting on ongoing and current investigations. Statements are issued only after action is taken against a business or individual. This podcast is hosted by Patrick Fitzgibbon and produced by Katie Scheuch.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Action plumbing press release: https://blog.commerce.utah.gov/2025/01/16/utah-department-of-commerce-brings-legal-proceedings-against-action-plumbing-heating-air-and-electric-alleging-gross-misconduct-and-exploitation-of-seniors/

• Verify a license: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

• DOPL: disciplinary newsletter: https://dopl.utah.gov/disciplinary-newsletters/

• DCP file a complaint: https://db.dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html