Consumer fraud, as defined by Arizona law, is any deception, false statement, false pretense, false promise or misrepresentation made by a seller or advertiser of merchandise. In addition, concealment, suppression or failure to disclose a material fact may be consumer fraud if it is done with the intent that others rely on such concealment, suppression or nondisclosure. Merchandise may include any objects, wares, goods, commodities, intangibles, real estate or services.

The following is a brief overview of the Consumer Fraud Act. The Act is found at A.R.S.§ 44-1521 through 44-1534. The Attorney General's Office offers this information as a public service but is prohibited by law from giving you legal advice. If you have questions regarding your particular case you might want to contact a private attorney.

The Arizona Attorney General has the authority to bring actions alleging violations of the Consumer Fraud Act. Sometimes the enforcement authority is delegated to County Attorneys. A private citizen can also bring an action for a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act within one year from the date the claim arises.

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you should first contact the company in writing and specifically request the relief that you feel is appropriate. You may also file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office.

You should receive an acknowledgment letter from our office approximately 7-10 days after our office receives your complaint. Because this office receives thousands of complaints per year, not all of them can be fully investigated. Many complaints result in Attorney General enforcement actions against companies or merchants. An enforcement action may sometimes result in civil penalties, attorney's fees and refunds to affected consumers.

The complaint process, by law, is confidential, therefore this office cannot reveal complaints or investigations against a particular company or merchant.