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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against pharmacy benefit managers Express Scripts and Optum, alleging they engaged in deceptive practices for over two decades that fueled the state's opioid epidemic by prioritizing profits from opioid manufacturers over patient safety. The PBMs allegedly secured preferred formulary status for opioids like OxyContin through financial arrangements with manufacturers, avoided safety controls like prior authorization, and distributed misleading materials downplaying addiction risks while failing to flag suspicious prescribing patterns. The lawsuit seeks restitution, civil penalties, disgorgement of profits, and corrective measures to address the billions of dollars in healthcare and societal costs attributed to the PB

An Arizona woman became a victim of a "ghost student" scam in which fraudsters used her personal information to create fake college applications and financial aid requests in her name. The scammers obtained federal student loans and grants by impersonating her, leaving her responsible for thousands of dollars in debt. The scheme highlights how identity thieves exploit personal data to commit education-related fraud that can damage victims' credit and financial futures.

Scam operations in Southeast Asia are structured like corporations with dozens of "firms" operating within compounds across Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, systematically extracting hundreds of billions of dollars from U.S. victims through investment, romance, and pig-butchering schemes. According to Operation Shamrock founder Erin West, the current law enforcement and financial system handles fraud case-by-case, failing to address the organized, industrial-scale nature of these criminal enterprises, leaving victims like an Arizona man who lost $4.5 million without meaningful investigation or recovery. A recent survey found that 21% of U.S. consumers (57 million people) reported being scammed in the past five years,

Arizona seniors lost over $343 million to fraud in 2025, according to advocates tracking elder financial abuse. The losses included various scam types targeting older adults, with the amount representing a significant increase in reported elder fraud cases across the state.

An Arizona couple's belongings were held hostage for months after contracting with a moving company that demanded additional payments and failed to deliver their items, leaving them scattered across warehouses in Kansas and Missouri. The scam, known as a "hostage load," involves moving companies refusing to deliver or unload belongings unless customers pay extra money beyond their original contract, and investigators found the same operators were using multiple company names across state lines to target victims nationwide. The companies involved, including those tied to Howard's Van Lines in New Jersey with nearly 200 complaints, are under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Botanic Tonics for violating consumer fraud laws by deceptively marketing its "feel free" kratom and kava shots as wellness and energy products while obscuring addiction risks and failing to disclose health dangers. The company sold millions of the psychoactive beverage shots through retail locations and online since 2020, including through youth-focused marketing, despite 146 documented kratom-related deaths in Arizona between 2020 and 2023. The complaint alleges Botanic Tonics endangered consumers, including minors, by concealing that kratom produces opioid-like effects and carries serious risks of dependence, addiction, and withdrawal.

An Arizona resident lost $48,000 in a romance scam where someone pretending to be WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley built a romantic relationship over two years, initially requesting money for a fan club and fake job opportunities, then escalating to weekly demands for gift cards and eventually payments through PayPal and Cash App. The scammer, who cybersecurity tracking linked to Nigeria and New Jersey, threatened blackmail when the victim tried to stop sending money. This case emerged following a Pennsylvania man's report of losing $42,000 in a similar Rhea Ripley impersonation scam.

A bipartisan coalition of 15 state attorneys general, led by Arizona's Attorney General Mayes, opposes the proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, warning it would undermine their ability to protect consumers from cryptocurrency fraud. The FBI and FTC reported combined losses exceeding $13 billion from crypto scams in 2025, with the attorneys general citing over 330 enforcement actions since 2017 that have shut down fraudulent schemes and helped victims. The coalition argues the legislation would cede critical consumer protection authority to the SEC and prevent states from serving as a first line of defense against the escalating crypto fraud epidemic.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against L'Oréal USA and its parent company for failing to disclose that their chemical hair relaxer products contained carcinogens linked to increased risks of ovarian, uterine, and other hormonal cancers. The products, which were primarily marketed to African American women and children, contain toxic chemicals including endocrine disruptors, phthalates, and parabens that the companies knew or should have known posed health risks. The lawsuit alleges L'Oréal prioritized profits over consumer safety by withholding cancer risk warnings.

Nevada ranks second in the U.S. for seniors vulnerable to scams, with median losses ranging from $250 for victims ages 60-69 to $5,000 for those 80 and older, according to research analyzing FBI and FTC data. Senior fraud losses in Nevada grew 42% year-over-year, with scammers using varied tactics including phone calls, social media, and websites depending on the victim's age group. Arizona, California, and Washington also ranked among the top states for senior scam risk, with younger seniors primarily targeted through social media and websites while older seniors are most commonly contacted by phone.

VetLink Solutions, a company that fraudulently claimed to help veterans with disability benefits claims, was ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution after Attorney General Mayes found it violated consumer fraud laws by implying it could perform services only VA-authorized representatives could provide and charging excessive fees up to $12,000 between 2019 and 2024. Eligible Arizona and nationwide veterans who paid consulting fees to the company can submit claims by September 10, 2026, through the settlement administrator.

An Arizona woman lost $35,000 to a scammer impersonating a police officer ("Lieutenant Mark Newman") who claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened her with jail unless she paid citations. The caller directed the victim to withdraw cash from four banks while tracking her movements, exploiting urgency and fear to prevent rational decision-making. Experts warn that legitimate law enforcement and courts never demand immediate cash payments over the phone and advise calling official numbers directly to verify such claims.

This article is not about fraud or scams. It describes a positive story about an Arizona teenager who received a "Citizen Hero Award" for helping an elderly woman who was lost in the heat find her way to safety. Since it contains no information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse, there is no fraud-related summary to provide.

A woman in Yavapai County lost $4.3 million to fraudsters who threatened her with jail time, while a recent case in Arizona involved a man who lost his home through deed fraud perpetrated by his massage therapist and subsequently took his own life. Advocates and lawmakers are pushing for revival of legislation that would expand Arizona's definition of "vulnerable adult" to include seniors over 65 and provide stronger protections against elder fraud, after a similar bill failed to pass in the last legislative session.

Rental scams are surging in rural Arizona communities, with fraudsters copying legitimate property listings from websites like Zillow and reposting them on social media at artificially low prices, often with convincing fake background and credit check forms. The scams, which target vulnerable populations including older adults and out-of-state relocators, have resulted in situations where multiple victims have arrived at properties with cash and checks ready to move in. Police warn renters to avoid sending money to unseen landlords and advise victims to contact the Social Security Administration and credit bureaus immediately if personal information was compromised.

A Yavapai County woman in her 50s lost $4.3 million to sophisticated scammers who impersonated FBI agents and NYPD officers through spoofed phone numbers, fake emails, and forged documents claiming she was under investigation for money laundering. The criminals used psychological manipulation, fake Microsoft Teams meetings, and threats of legal consequences to pressure her into transferring cryptocurrency over two months. Authorities warn that the funds were moved through untraceable accounts and emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never requests money or cryptocurrency over the phone.

An Arizona woman lost $4.3 million in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam where fraudsters impersonated FBI agents and NYPD officers, claiming she was involved in a federal money-laundering investigation and threatening digital surveillance. The scammers used fake documents mimicking official FBI records, fake video calls with cameras off, and isolation tactics to pressure her into transferring Bitcoin, which could not be recovered due to the use of multiple cryptocurrency accounts. Authorities warn that legitimate law enforcement never requests money by phone and advise victims to hang up and independently verify caller identity through official agency numbers.

Since Arizona's Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention law took effect in September 2025, 35 victims of crypto ATM scams have received full refunds totaling $171,332. The law, enacted in May 2025 as House Bill 2387, requires crypto ATM operators to issue full refunds including all fees to scam victims who report fraudulent transactions to the Attorney General's Office or local law enforcement within 30 days. The law also mandates strict fraud warnings, transaction limits, and blockchain tracing tools to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, from crypto ATM fraud schemes.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued MV Realty and related entities for operating a predatory scheme offering immediate cash payments to financially vulnerable homeowners in exchange for exclusive listing rights, while deceptively concealing a 40-year binding contract with liens placed on their properties. The company misled homeowners about the "Homeowner Benefit Program" terms and charged thousands in "Early Termination Fees" if homeowners sold their homes with another agent, refinanced, or transferred title to family members. The lawsuit seeks civil penalties, restitution, and removal of the liens recorded against Arizona homeowners' properties.

Since Arizona's Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention law took effect in September 2025, the state Attorney General's office has helped 35 victims of cryptocurrency ATM scams recover full refunds totaling $171,332. Under the law, victims must report fraudulent transactions to the Attorney General's office or local law enforcement within 30 days to qualify for refunds that include all associated fees. The law also implemented additional protections including lowered daily transaction limits, mandatory on-screen warnings, and required transaction receipts.

A Florida man is accused of scamming over $65,000 from Arizona seniors through a scheme that involved victims packaging money and giving it to Uber drivers. The scam targeted elderly residents in Arizona, exploiting them into sending cash through third-party delivery methods rather than direct banking.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a consumer alert warning residents to beware of scammers and unlicensed contractors offering storm repair and cleanup services following monsoon damage. The scams typically target vulnerable people in need of immediate assistance after weather events by promising quick repairs. Consumers are advised to be cautious when hiring contractors and can report suspected fraud to the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

Scammers are targeting individuals who have previously fallen victim to fraud, exploiting their vulnerability and prior experiences with deception. These follow-up scams often promise recovery of lost funds or compensation, creating a secondary victimization. The alert urges consumers to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited contacts claiming to help recover previous losses.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued the owners and managers of three affiliated Tucson apartment complexes—Sedona Springs, Sienna Ridge, and Summit Ridge, housing over 1,000 units combined—for failing to provide adequate air conditioning and other habitable living conditions since at least 2023. Tenants have endured indoor temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit during record-breaking Arizona summers, with some units lacking central air entirely and relying on inadequate portable window units, while the complexes also suffer from broken windows, water/gas issues, and pest infestations that were not disclosed to renters. The Attorney General is seeking permanent injunctions requiring repairs, barring

The FTC has halted a credit repair scheme operated by Credit Glory, a network of 17 related companies and five principals, that defrauded consumers of nearly $200 million since 2016 through false promises, illegal upfront fees, impersonation of creditors, and unlawful subscription practices. The defendants specifically targeted vulnerable consumers, including military servicemembers, using paid Google search ads to promise credit improvements they failed to deliver. A federal court in Arizona temporarily shut down the operation, and the defendants face violations of multiple federal laws including the Credit Repair Organizations Act and Telemarketing Sales Rule.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is seeking sanctions against the owners and operators of Redwood Mobile Home Park for failing to comply with court-ordered electrical safety testing of the facility's underground wiring systems. The park was sued in September 2025 for allegedly concealing that its electrical system was dangerous and overloaded, causing frequent outages, and the owners are now accused of ignoring court orders to test the insulation of underground electrical wires that pose electrocution risks. Violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act can result in penalties up to $25,000 per violation, with a hearing scheduled for August 21, 2026 to determine if the park violated the court's preliminary injunction

Scammers are targeting homeowners struggling with mortgage payments by posing as "home savers" offering loan modifications or foreclosure reversals, then stealing their equity and money through fraudulent paperwork; reported cases include an Arizona man who lost $150,000 in equity and an Indiana woman who lost $9,000. Additionally, fraudsters are using AI-generated personas on social media to solicit purchases through emotional storytelling, and sending fake postcards promising free gas and grocery cards that require upfront fees before victims face unauthorized charges.

A 53-year-old man has been extradited from Illinois to Utah to face felony charges for an elaborate romance scam that defrauded an Arizona woman of over $82,500 between August 2024 and July 2025. Todd Joseph Sweet posed as a retired Army sergeant major involved in classified operations and manipulated the victim into providing cash, credit card information, and $27,000 from her retirement funds, while also taking possession of her $65,000 pickup truck that he never returned. Investigators discovered Sweet has a pattern of similar romance scams across multiple states, including a 2010 Tennessee case where he swindled another victim out of $19,000 and

The Sun City Foundation has partnered with the Arizona Attorney General's Office to educate residents about common scams, particularly online and romance scams that frequently target Arizona residents. The Foundation provides free community space and presentations to help local organizations protect residents from fraud. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest scam tactics and take preventive measures to safeguard themselves.

Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa was indicted on five counts of wire fraud after allegedly defrauding two victims of nearly $2.2 million between 2022 and 2024 by posing as different people, including his own mother, and claiming he and his family needed emergency financial assistance. The 25-year-old Estonian guard, who played for Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, was arrested in Kentucky and faces federal charges in West Virginia. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited requests for money—especially from people claiming emergencies—and verify the person's identity through independent contact information before sending any funds.

Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, known as "Dada Joe Remix," pleaded guilty to leading a $4.4 million romance and inheritance scam that targeted elderly people in Arizona and across the United States from 2013 to 2023. The scheme involved perpetrators posing as romantic interests online and falsely claiming victims had inherited gold and jewels, then demanding payment for taxes or fees before releasing the assets. Seniors and their families are urged to be cautious about online dating profiles and unsolicited messages from strangers, and to verify any inheritance claims through official channels before sending money.

Ghanaian socialite Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, known as "Dada Joe Remix," pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for operating a $4.4 million romance and inheritance scam targeting vulnerable Americans, particularly elderly victims in Arizona, from 2013 to 2023. He and his co-conspirators posed as romantic partners online and falsely promised inheritances of gold and jewels, then convinced victims to pay taxes and fees to release the assets. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly profess affection, avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, and verify inheritance claims through official channels before paying any fees.

A Ghanaian man known as "Dada Joe Remix" pleaded guilty to running a romance and inheritance fraud scheme that stole millions of dollars from victims, primarily elderly Americans in Arizona, between 2013 and 2023. The scam involved creating fake online identities to pose as romantic partners or claiming victims had inherited gold and jewels, then pressuring them to pay fees for supposed asset releases. Boateng agreed to pay $4.4 million in restitution and will be sentenced in September 2026; people should be cautious of online dating connections asking for money and verify inheritance claims through official channels rather than responding to unsolicited communications.

More than one in three Americans have fallen victim to online shopping scams, which range from fake copycat websites and apps mimicking trusted retailers to fraudulent social media ads on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as deals that seem too good to be true, suspicious URLs, urgent messaging designed to rush your decision, and unverified sellers on auction sites like eBay and Poshmark. Before making any purchase, verify the company's legitimacy, check seller reviews and ratings, and take time to carefully examine the offer rather than clicking impulsively.

A Ghana-based romance scammer named Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, who operated under the alias "Dada Joe Remix," pleaded guilty to defrauding older Americans for roughly a decade by posing as romantic interests on dating apps and promising fake inheritance claims that required upfront payment of taxes and fees. He and his accomplices targeted victims across Arizona and the U.S. between 2013 and 2023, and Boateng has agreed to pay $4.4 million in restitution. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly propose financial schemes or inheritance opportunities, and never send money to strangers for supposed taxes or fees on unclaimed inheritances.

Consumers lost nearly $16 billion to fraud and scams in fiscal year 2025, though the actual number is likely higher since many victims don't report incidents, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Arizona Corporation Commission's Securities Division is working to help victims recover lost money through investigations and settlements—ordering $13.8 million in restitution in 2024 alone—while also helping people identify and report suspicious activity before becoming victims. If you suspect fraud through mail, email, text, or other means, you can contact the ACC Securities Division by phone or email to ask questions and report suspicious activity without shame or embarrassment.

This article describes a violent home invasion in Chandler, Arizona, where three suspects in their 20s forced their way into a home early Saturday morning, brutally assaulted an elderly homeowner (breaking his skull) and shot his disabled adult daughter twice. The victims have no apparent connection to the suspects and don't know why they were targeted; both are expected to survive but suffered severe injuries. While this is a violent crime rather than a fraud/scam, the actionable advice would be to secure doors and windows, have a safety plan in place, and contact 911 immediately if a home invasion occurs—as a third person in this home did, likely preventing further tragedy.

This news roundup covers several unrelated Arizona stories, including a violent home invasion in Chandler where a disabled woman and elderly man were shot and beaten, a 1-year-old hospitalized with suspicious injuries in Phoenix, and concerns about staff training at a Mesa care facility where a man with developmental disabilities died. The stories also feature a positive human-interest piece about an Arizona woman celebrating her 111th birthday and a local sports bar promoting women's sports. While there are no fraud or scam-related incidents in this particular roundup, the violent crimes highlight the importance of home security and the need for proper oversight and training in care facilities serving vulnerable populations.

Arizona's Attorney General secured a $600,000 settlement against Olive Branch Assisted Living and its owner for illegally discriminating against a resident with a disability by publicly disclosing her medical diagnosis, denying her housing, and then retaliating with bankruptcy threats when she complained. The case highlights protections under Arizona law for people with disabilities in housing, employment, and public services. If you experience discrimination based on disability or other protected status, you can file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office at www.azag.gov.

Arizona is experiencing an epidemic of scams targeting seniors, with the state having the highest rate of senior fraud victims in the nation at 289 per 100,000 people, according to Attorney General Kris Mayes. Scammers are using various tactics including romance scams on social media, fake charities, sweepstakes claims, and cryptocurrency ATMs to steal money from seniors, with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media, requests for untraceable payments (gift cards, wire transfers, Bitcoin), and should verify any claims about winnings or legal fines through official channels before sending money.

A Jamaican man pleaded guilty to a three-year romance and lottery scam targeting an 85-year-old Arizona resident, who lost approximately $469,302. Between 2015 and 2019, the perpetrator and his co-conspirators posed as romantic interests and lottery winners, convincing the victim to send money for fees and taxes on supposed prizes. The victim has been awarded restitution, and the case serves as a reminder for seniors to be wary of unsolicited romantic contact and lottery claims requiring upfront payment.

Americans lost nearly $16 billion to fraud in 2025, with investment scams skyrocketing 36% to become the costliest category at $6.4 billion, followed by romance scams at $1.3 billion, according to FTC data. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii experienced the highest per capita losses, while Washington D.C. had the most fraud reports relative to its population. To protect yourself, be especially cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts, verify the legitimacy of investment firms through official regulatory databases, and never send money to unknown parties regardless of the promised returns.

A Jamaican man known as "Ice Man" pleaded guilty to orchestrating a romance and lottery scam that defrauded an 85-year-old Arizona woman of over $469,000 between 2015 and 2019. The scheme involved sending fake love messages and flowers, then convincing the victim she had won the lottery and a car, but needed to pay taxes and fees to claim her prizes. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited romantic contact online, lottery winnings they didn't enter, and any requests to pay upfront fees or taxes—legitimate lotteries never require payment to claim prizes.

Americans lost nearly $16 billion to fraud in 2025, with investment scams surging 36% to become the costliest scheme type at $6.4 billion, followed by romance scams at $1.3 billion. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii experienced the highest per capita losses, while Washington D.C. had the highest fraud reporting rate overall. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts, verify the legitimacy of financial advisors through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FTC immediately.

Brett Blackman, founder of HealthSplash, was convicted of orchestrating a $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme that operated from 2015 to 2020 across Florida, Kansas, and Arizona by billing Medicare for unnecessary medical equipment that vulnerable elderly and sick patients were coerced into purchasing. His co-conspirator Gary Cox received a 15-year sentence, while Blackman faces up to 30 years in prison for his role in what prosecutors called "cold, calculated, industrial-scale theft." To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers for medical equipment, verify that any recommended medical devices are actually prescribed by your doctor, and report suspicious billing or pressure from medical companies to your insurance provider or local authorities.

A woman in Arizona lost nearly $10,000 after scammers impersonated law enforcement officials and convinced her she had missed jury duty and owed a fine. The fraudsters used real names of local judges and officers, created a false sense of urgency about potential arrest, and instructed her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin through an ATM to pay the supposed penalty. To protect yourself, be aware that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency or cash, and always verify official claims by independently contacting the actual government agency using publicly listed phone numbers rather than calling back the number provided by the caller.

Seniors across the United States lost approximately $27 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona, Delaware, and Colorado experiencing the highest rates of fraud targeting people over 60, according to a new analysis of Federal Trade Commission reports. Business impostor scams and government impostor scams are the most common types affecting older Americans, who are particularly vulnerable to fraudsters reaching them through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. To protect themselves, seniors should verify the identity of anyone contacting them, avoid sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, and report suspected scams to the FTC.

A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home after falling victim to a romance scam in which a man posing as a Navy officer stationed overseas built an emotional relationship with her through Facebook and messaging apps, then convinced her to send thousands of dollars to supposedly clear customs for a package of valuables. According to a 2025 AARP report, at least one in 10 adults over age 50 have experienced romance scams, though over half don't report them to authorities. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships that move quickly to private messaging apps, refuse requests from supposed military personnel who can't video call, and never send money to strangers claiming to need funds for packages or customs fees.

This article covers several stories including an investigation into the lack of pension and veterinary care benefits for retired police K-9s, leaving handlers to bear significant costs after years of service. It also highlights a growing romance scam problem affecting older adults, with an Arizona woman losing her home after falling victim to such a con, and warns that over half of victims don't report these crimes. The piece emphasizes recognizing red flags in romance scams and notes that an AARP report found at least one in 10 adults over 50 have been victimized by these schemes.

Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, with Facebook being the primary platform where scammers targeted people through fake investment schemes and deceptive shopping ads. Investment scams were the costliest category at $1.1 billion, while shopping scams were most common, with people tricked into buying non-existent products advertised on social media. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment opportunities and shopping ads from unknown sellers on social media, verify seller legitimacy before making purchases, and report suspicious accounts to the platform.