What is consumer fraud?
If you’ve ever bought a product or a service – it could be paper towels or a haircut – you are a consumer. Bad actors will take advantage of our everyday purchases or needs to trick us out of our hard-earned money.
Consumer fraud, as defined by Arizona law, is any deception, unfair act or practice, false statement, false pretense, false promise or misrepresentation made by a seller or advertiser of merchandise.
It may also be fraud if a material fact is concealed, suppressed or undisclosed with intent.
What does the Arizona Attorney General's Office do about it?
The Arizona Attorney General has the authority investigate and prosecute violations of the Consumer Fraud Act and other state and federal consumer protection laws. 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. File a consumer complaint HERE.
The Consumer Protection & Advocacy Section enforces the state's consumer protection laws and represents Arizona in multistate investigations with other state attorneys general.