Attorney General Mayes Recovers $4 Million for Arizona Consumers, Warns of Growing AI Scam Threat to Kick Off National Consumer Protection Week

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that her office recovered more than $4 million on behalf of Arizona consumers in 2025, returning money to residents harmed by fraud, scams, and deceptive business practices.

The announcement comes as the Attorney General's Office kicks off National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7, by releasing its 2025 Top Consumer Fraud Complaint Categories and tips to help Arizonans protect themselves from fraud — including a warning about the growing threat of artificial intelligence-powered scams.
 
“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,” said Attorney General Mayes. “But the threat is evolving and 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. It is critical that Arizonans educate themselves and remain vigilant against scams.”
 
In 2025, the Attorney General's Consumer Information and Complaints Unit received nearly 21,000 consumer complaints, took 28,723 phone calls from and reviewed over 26,000 emails from constituents. The $4 million recovered came through the Attorney General’s Office working directly with consumers and businesses to resolve complaints.
 
“Consumer Protection Week is a reminder that when Arizonans know their rights and stay vigilant, they can protect themselves from being scammed,” continued Mayes “But there is nothing to be ashamed of you have been scammed, it can happen to anybody. I encourage anyone who believes they've been victimized to contact our office, we're here to help."
 
2025 Top Five Consumer Fraud Complaint Categories
 
These five categories generated the most consumer complaints to the Attorney General's Office in 2025 — and they're areas where Arizonans should be especially vigilant.

1. Motor Vehicle Sales, Repairs, and Rentals — Complaints involving deceptive sales tactics, undisclosed fees, faulty repairs, and misleading financing terms.
2. Internet-Related Scams — Complaints involving fake online retailers, phishing emails and texts, and fraudulent websites designed to steal money or personal information — including a growing wave of scams powered by artificial intelligence.
3. Mortgage and Real Estate — Complaints involving predatory lending, foreclosure rescue scams, and deceptive terms in purchase or rental agreements.
4. Telemarketing, Phone Scams, and Unsolicited Text Messages — Complaints involving imposter scams, fake government calls, and high-pressure tactics demanding immediate payment.
5. Telecommunications — Complaints involving unexpected rate increases, undisclosed fees, and failure to deliver promised services from phone, internet, and streaming providers.

Tips to Avoid Consumer Scams and Deceptive Practices:
 
1. Motor Vehicle Sales, Repairs, and Rentals

• Demand a complete, itemized breakdown of all costs before signing anything.
• Get every promise made by a salesperson in writing.
• Never sign a contract with blank spaces — they can be filled in any way the seller chooses after you leave.
• Be alert to last-minute changes to financing terms or added fees at signing.

2. Internet-Related Scams

• Never click links in unsolicited emails, texts, or pop-up warnings — go directly to the company's official website instead.
• Search the seller's name along with the word "scam" or "complaint" before making a purchase.
• Always check return and refund policies before buying.
• Never send payment to an online seller before receiving the product.

Protecting Yourself from AI-Powered Scams
Artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and harder to detect than ever before. Scammers are now using AI to clone the voices of family members, generate fake but realistic images and videos, and craft phishing messages that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications. Here's what to watch for: 

• Voice cloning: If you receive an urgent call from a family member claiming to be in trouble and asking for money, hang up and call them back directly on a number you know. Scammers can now replicate a person's voice using just a few seconds of audio found online.
• Deepfake scams: Be skeptical of any video or image — even of someone you recognize — that is used to solicit money or personal information. AI-generated images and videos can look remarkably real.
• AI-generated phishing: Scam emails and texts are no longer riddled with typos and awkward phrasing. AI can now generate polished, convincing messages that appear to come from your bank, employer, or a government agency. When in doubt, contact the organization directly.
• Establish a family code word: Consider creating a private word or phrase with your family that can be used to verify identity in an emergency — something a scammer wouldn't know.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Slow down, verify independently, and never send money or share personal information under pressure.

3. Mortgage and Real Estate

• Never let anyone rush you into signing — take time to read and understand every document.
• Do not sign anything with blank spaces.
• Be wary of anyone who discourages you from consulting an attorney.
• If someone offers to "save your home" in exchange for upfront fees or asks you to sign over your deed, contact our office immediately.

4. Telemarketing, Phone Scams, and Unsolicited Text Messages

• If a caller threatens arrest, demands immediate payment, or asks for gift cards or cryptocurrency — hang up immediately.
• No legitimate government agency will ever contact you this way.
• Scammers create panic and urgency to make you act before you think — slow down before doing anything.
• Call someone you trust, or call our office, to verify whether a call or offer is legitimate before responding.

5. Telecommunications

• Before signing up for any service, ask how long the promotional rate lasts and what the rate will be after it expires.
• Ask about early cancellation fees and get the answers in writing.
• Review your bill regularly for charges that weren't disclosed upfront.
• If a company fails to deliver the service you were promised, that may violate Arizona consumer protection law — contact our office.

If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud, you can file a complaint by visiting the Attorney General's website. You can also 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.