Arizona AG provides tips for avoiding 5 most common types of consumer fraud

PHOENIX — Arizona’s top prosecutor is urging people to watch out for five of the top consumer fraud trends her office dealt with last year.

Nearly 22,000 consumers submitted complaints to the Arizona Attorney General Office’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit (CIC) in 2024. They also answered around 28,775 phone calls and reviewed over 23,000 emails.

“Last year, my office addressed a historic number of complaints and recovered a historic $5.2 million on behalf of Arizona consumers harmed by greedy fraudsters,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a Monday news release.

What are five consumer fraud trends in Arizona?

Based on the reports CIC dealt with last year, Mayes’ office is sharing details about the consumer fraud trends — as well as protective measures people can take to guard their wallets.

Many fraud schemes are related to vehicles

The first of the top five 2024 consumer fraud complaint trends related to motor vehicle sales, repairs and rentals. Tons of issues can arise when buying a vehicle, which is why Mayes recommends Arizonans get the salesperson or company you’re doing business with to put all terms and promises in writing.

One should also get complete copies of all paperwork.

Watch out for digital fraud targeting you on your computer

To protect oneself from computer-related scams, use strong passwords and keep software up-to-date, Mayes said. When buying something online, carefully read product description and read a seller’s shipping and return policies.

Don’t pay for products you haven’t seen.

Lots of consumer fraud trends are related to mortgage and real estate

People should read all documents and make sure they fully understand the terms of whatever agreement they’re signing, Mayes said. People shouldn’t sign contracts or agreements with blank spaces.

Banking is another area rife with consumer fraud

There are lots of risks with it comes to banking. Mayes suggests Arizonans review their monthly banking statements and look for unauthorized fees or charges they didn’t make.

Telemarking, fraudulent phone calls, text message scams targeting Arizonans

A few ways to protect oneself from telemarketing phone scams as well as text message scams should never give money, gift cards or cryptocurrency in response to an unsolicited text message or phone calls.

Mayes shared these tips after Consumer Protection Week started on Sunday.

“For those consumers who live in fear of scams, for those who believe they are powerless, and for those who have been wronged by deceptive and unfair business practices, know, that I am fighting for you as your attorney general,” Mayes said.

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