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WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- In the COVID-19 era, almost everyone is looking for a way to conduct business online; but one viewer realized there's just some things you can't do on the internet.
Ronnie Faust was on his computer when he saw an advertisement for an online course that offered participants the opportunity to get a certificate that could be used to obtain a concealed carry permit.
"They make you think you’re getting something that you’re not getting," said Victoria Doolittle, Ronnie's daughter.
According to Colorado law, the firearms safety training needed in order to obtain a permit cannot be fulfilled online.
Firearms instructor, Cindy Coker, said she has taught students who thought they could take the course online but then end up in her classroom once they realize they need to fulfill the in-person training.
"In Colorado it is required to be in-person, at a facility with a licensed instructor," said Coker. "It’s not as easy as people make it out to be."
Contact Denver7 reached out to US Concealed Online, the company Faust paid for the online course. His daughter said he wanted a refund since he was unable to obtain his Colorado permit using the online certificate.
"They told him no, they didn’t honor it," said Doolittle as she explained how her dad tried to use the certificate in Colorado.
A firearms training instructor with US Concealed Online said if the customer wanted a certificate for a Colorado-issued concealed carry permit, he would move Faust to an in-person class at no additional charge.
Ultimately, Faust didn't want to take an in-person class due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure. He said that's why the online class was so appealing to him.
Faust doesn't appear to be alone. His daughter filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and she pointed out there's many similar stories on the website.
US Concealed Online released the following statement:
Our online certifications are valid for all Colorado residents when used to apply for the non-resident concealed carry permit issued by Virginia. Virginia has reciprocity with 27 states which allows a non-resident permit holder to carry in those states. Unfortunately, Colorado does not have reciprocity with Virginia, although all of Colorado’s neighboring states do have reciprocity with Virginia.
