AG Kris Mayes returns more than $4 million to Arizonans harmed by scams and fraud in 2025

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that her office recovered more than $4 million last year for residents harmed by fraud, scams and deceptive business practices.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit fielded nearly 21,000 consumer complaints in 2025, along with more than 28,700 phone calls and 26,000 emails from constituents. The $4 million was recovered through settlements between consumers and businesses.

“My office fights every day to protect Arizonans from fraud and deceptive practices, and recovering more than $4 million for consumers last year is just part of the work we are doing to help Arizonans,” Mayes said in the Monday announcement.

Car sales and repairs top the list of consumer complaints

Motor vehicle sales and repairs topped the state’s complaint categories, followed by internet-related scams, mortgage and real estate fraud, telemarketing schemes and telecommunications disputes.

To avoid auto-related fraud, the Attorney General’s Office recommends demanding an itemized cost breakdown before signing, getting all promises in writing, never signing contracts with blank spaces and watching for last-minute changes to financing terms or fees at closing.

AI scams are on the rise

Mayes said AI technology has enabled criminals to replicate a person’s voice from just seconds of online audio and generate convincing deepfake videos to solicit money. She urged families to establish private code words to verify identity during emergency calls.

“Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to clone voices, create fake videos and craft messages that are nearly impossible to distinguish from the real thing,” Mayes said. “It is critical that Arizonans educate themselves and remain vigilant against scams.”

Consumers who believe they have been defrauded can file complaints through the attorney general’s website or call 602-542-5763 in Phoenix, 520-628-6648 in Tucson or 800-352-8431 statewide.

The announcement coincides with National Consumer Protection Week, which runs March 1-7.

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