PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes is kicking off Consumer Protection Week by releasing a list of the 2023 Top Consumer Fraud Complaint trends and providing tips to avoid falling victim to scams. National Consumer Protection Week is an annual opportunity for government agencies, consumer protection groups, and the public to work together to help everyone understand their consumer rights and help prevent fraud before it happens.
“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, your voices are heard,” said Attorney General Mayes. “Every consumer deserves protection from fraud and scams. My office is here to be your advocate, your collective voice, and your champion this week and all year long.”
In 2023, the Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit recovered nearly $4 million on behalf of consumers. The unit received more than 17,000 consumer complaints; answered approximately 30,483 phone calls; and reviewed nearly 24,000 emails.
Here are the top five categories of consumer complaints filed with the AGO in 2023 and a few tips to avoid being harmed by fraud or scams in these areas.
2023 Top Five Consumer Fraud Complaint Topics:
- Motor Vehicle Sales, Repairs, and Rentals
- Mortgage and Real Estate
- Telecommunications Services (i.e. internet service providers, cell phones, pay TV etc.)
- Telemarketing, Phone Scams, and Unsolicited Text Messages
- Banking
Tips to Avoid Consumer Scams and Deceptive Practices:
- Motor Vehicles: When buying a vehicle, get the salesperson or business to make all terms and any promises in writing and make sure you get complete copies of all paperwork.
- Mortgage and Real Estate: Read all documents and understand the terms before signing and do not sign contracts or agreements with blank spaces.
- Telecommunications: Review your monthly bills for unauthorized fees and sudden or new charges.
- Telemarketing, Phone Scams and Unsolicited Text Messages: Never give money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency in response to an unsolicited phone call or text message. Remember, government agencies will not threaten you or demand that you pay a debt or fee immediately or take payment in gift cards.
- Banking: Review your account activity and monthly statements for unauthorized fees or sudden charges and contact your bank immediately if you see anything suspicious.
If you believe you have been a 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, you can 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.