Attorney General Mayes Issues Consumer Alert: Beware of After-Storm Fraud

PHOENIX – Attorney General Mayes today issued a consumer alert warning Arizonans to be on guard against scams in the wake of last week’s severe storms that brought heavy rain, wind, hail, and flooding to communities across the state.

“Natural disasters can bring out the best in our neighbors—but unfortunately, they also attract bad actors looking to take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General Mayes. “I urge Arizonans to remain vigilant when approached by contractors or charities in the aftermath of these storms.”

Common After-Storm Scams and How to Avoid Them

Unscrupulous Contractors
Fraudulent contractors often go door-to-door or make unsolicited phone calls offering roof repair, tree removal, or other clean-up services. To protect yourself:

• Get several estimates: Compare prices and services before choosing a contractor.
• Seek referrals: Ask trusted friends, family, or neighbors if they can recommend someone they’ve used before.
• Talk to your insurance company first: Verify what your policy covers.
• Verify licenses: Arizona law requires most contractors to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Visit https://roc.az.gov/ to confirm a license is valid and to check for any complaints filed against the contractor.
• Get everything in writing: A legitimate contractor will provide a written contract outlining the scope of work, cost, and timeline. Do not sign a contract right away, especially under pressure.
• Never pay in full up front: A reasonable down payment may be requested, but full payment should only be made once the work is complete and verified.
• Remember: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Charity Fraud
Fraudsters also pose as charitable organizations, soliciting donations to help storm victims. Scammers often use names that sound similar to well-known charities or create fake websites and social media appeals. To protect yourself:

• Give to known, trusted charities: Donate directly through the charity’s official website or phone number. Local Food Banks or disaster recovery organizations like the Red Cross are good options.
• Do your homework: Research the organization before giving. You can check ratings from independent evaluators like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
• Watch for red flags: Be wary of high-pressure tactics, vague claims about how donations will be used, or requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Never donate to a charity in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Confirm legitimacy of crowdfunding campaigns: While online giving platforms can be powerful tools, make sure you know who is organizing the fundraiser and where the money is going.

Report Fraud
If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting www.azag.gov/consumer. If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.

If you believe you have been scammed by a contractor or a contractor fails to complete the job, you can also file a complaint with the ROC at https://roc.az.gov/file-complaint. 

Scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the Better Business Bureaus' Scam Tracker.

“My office stands ready to investigate and hold accountable those who exploit disasters to enrich themselves,” added Attorney General Mayes. “Arizonans deserve protection from fraud, especially during times of recovery.”