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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning consumers about moving scams that surge during peak moving season, which commonly involve deceptive practices like lowball estimates, hidden fees, and holding belongings hostage until customers pay inflated charges. Those planning a move should be cautious when selecting a moving company and verify credentials to avoid falling victim to these schemes. Anyone who suspects they've been scammed can file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's office by phone at (602) 542-5763 in Phoenix, (520) 628-6648 in Tucson, or (800) 352-8431 elsewhere, or contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves.

Jared Duke received a 6.5-year prison sentence for his role in an organized retail theft operation that stole approximately $10 million in merchandise from Arizona retailers between 2018 and 2024. Duke, identified as a "booster" (shoplifter for organized crime), received over $22,000 from fencing stolen goods and must pay nearly $5,000 in restitution. Customers can help combat organized retail theft by reporting suspicious activity to store loss prevention teams and law enforcement, as these crimes ultimately increase prices for everyone.

Financial scams targeting older Americans are increasing at an alarming rate, with Arizona reporting the highest number of fraud cases among residents age 60 and older at seven reports per 1,000 people, followed by Delaware and Colorado. Business imposter scams are the most common fraud type nationwide, though government imposter scams are more prevalent in six states including Alaska and Iowa. Experts warn that as digital banking and online payments become more common, older Americans should be vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting financial information and consider reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission.

Scammers are sending increasingly convincing phishing emails claiming you have a new voicemail, using AI to make them look more authentic and harder to detect. These emails prey on people's concern about missing important calls by using vague subject lines and encouraging recipients to click suspicious links that may contain malware or lead to phone numbers used for fraud. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected voicemail notifications, especially if you haven't signed up for the service, and verify any voicemail alerts by contacting your phone provider or email service directly.

An Arizona resident named Joyce Petrowski founded R.O.S.E., a nonprofit dedicated to preventing scams, after a loved one fell victim to a romance scam in 2021. While scammers target people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable, and Petrowski combats this through a weekly YouTube radio show, social media tips, newsletters, and in-person presentations that teach people to recognize emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers. Her key advice is to seek recurring scam awareness education and pause to verify with a trusted person before engaging with anyone requesting money or personal information.

A Mesa teenager named Shilo Karakkattu developed ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps seniors and others quickly identify scam calls and fraudulent messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining warning signs in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with IRS robocalls and fake Medicare texts, and addresses a serious problem—Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona particularly affected. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in six languages, and is designed specifically for users who may be uncomfortable with technology.

A BASIS Mesa high school student named Shilo Karakkattu created ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps people—especially seniors—detect scam calls and text messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining potential threats in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with fraudulent IRS and Medicare scams, and addresses a critical problem: Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona among the hardest-hit states. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in multiple languages, and uses a simplified design to help users who may be uncomfortable with technology—making it easy for anyone to paste or screenshot a suspicious message and get immediate clarity on whether it's a scam.

Romance scammers in Arizona stole $155,000 from three victims who were tricked by fake online personas—including imposters claiming to be a surgeon, army general, and engineer—who quickly built emotional connections before requesting money. These scams are particularly lucrative and devastating because they exploit people seeking companionship, with victims often unaware they've been defrauded until significant money has been lost. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who contact you unexpectedly on social media or dating apps and immediately ask for money, especially those claiming to be overseas or in dangerous situations, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Arizona's Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau are warning residents about romance scams, a type of fraud that costs victims more money than nearly any other scam. Scammers pose as attractive strangers on dating apps and social media, build emotional connections, then request money under false pretenses—three recent Arizona victims lost a combined $155,000 to these schemes. If someone you've never met asks for money online, authorities advise stopping contact immediately and reporting it to the Attorney General's office at (602) 542-5763.

Arizona authorities are warning residents about romance scams that have cost victims thousands of dollars, with one recent case involving a Scottsdale woman who lost $55,000 after meeting someone on Facebook who claimed to be living overseas. These scams typically begin with strangers contacting people through social media or dating apps, building an intimate relationship, and then requesting money under false pretenses—with three Arizona residents losing a combined $155,000 recently. To protect yourself, authorities advise stopping any communication if someone you've never met in person asks for money, and reporting suspected scams to the BBB's Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.

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Arizona Attorney General Mayes is warning homeowners about construction fraud targeting those building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with victims losing between tens of thousands to $250,000 after paying upfront fees to contractors who fail to obtain permits and never start work. To protect yourself, scrutinize any construction contract for red flags like pressure for large upfront payments, lack of proper licensing, and unwillingness to provide references before signing. If you suspect fraud, file complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, the Better Business Bureau, or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

A New York man has been convicted of money laundering after helping scammers steal nearly $1 million from elderly victims nationwide, including in Arizona, by funneling the stolen funds through cryptocurrency and offshore accounts. The scam operated by sending phishing emails, text messages, and fake pop-ups impersonating trusted companies like Apple, Microsoft, and PayPal, then tricking victims into believing their accounts were compromised or had received erroneous refunds so they would send their own money to the criminals. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming account issues, never call numbers provided in suspicious communications, and verify directly with their bank or trusted companies through official channels before taking any action.

Arizona's Attorney General is warning residents about widespread investment scams on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) that use fake advertisements and deepfake technology to trick people into fraudulent schemes like "pump and dump" scams, confidence scams, and cryptocurrency fraud. These scams target vulnerable communities with false promises and can result in significant financial losses. Arizonans should be cautious of investment advice on social media, remember that legitimate brokers rarely advertise specific investments on these platforms, and report any suspected fraud to www.azag.gov/consumer.

Two Arizona residents, Ryan Patrick Michell and Shannon Ariel Lovell, have been sentenced to prison for operating a fraudulent life insurance scheme from 2017 to 2019 that targeted vulnerable populations, including homeless individuals and people struggling with addiction, by recruiting them for fake policies while secretly making themselves the beneficiaries of real insurance policies. Michell received 5.5 years in prison and Lovell 3.5 years, both followed by supervised probation. Arizonans should be cautious of unsolicited life insurance offers, especially those claiming to be free or subsidized by nonprofits, and should verify the legitimacy of insurance companies directly through official state resources rather than relying on recruiters.

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and the Better Business Bureau's Joe Ducey today released a new consumer video PSA warning Arizonans about tax-related scams targeting residents during ta...

A bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Senate is taking a stand against the rising tide of financial fraud by officially designating March 5th as “National Slam the Scam Day.” Led by Chairman Rick Scott a...

PHOENIX — To kick off Consumer Protection Week, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and the Better Business Bureau's Joe Ducey are teaming up in a new public service announcement to warn consumers abo...

PHOENIX — Scammers are using artificial intelligence to copy brand websites and trick shoppers into buying counterfeit products — or stealing their personal information entirely. Nearly 60% of brands...

A Tucson couple was sentenced after pleading guilty to defrauding Arizona's pandemic unemployment program of over $60,000 by submitting false applications using other people's identities, including incarcerated inmates and unwitting victims. David Ellis received six years in prison while Gabbrielle Ellis received seven years of probation, and both must repay $62,151 in restitution to the state. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited unemployment benefit communications, monitor your personal information, and report any suspicious activity related to your identity or government benefits immediately to authorities.

Heritage Village Assisted Living in Mesa, Arizona settled with the state Attorney General's office after investigations revealed elder abuse and fraud at the facility, resulting in the owners being permanently banned from operating healthcare facilities in Arizona and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. Families of residents reported incidents of mistreatment and abuse, though some believe the settlement doesn't provide adequate accountability for what occurred. For families with elderly relatives in care facilities, this case underscores the importance of regularly visiting and monitoring your loved ones' treatment, staying alert to signs of neglect or abuse, and reporting concerns immediately to facility management and state authorities.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes secured an $11.8 million settlement against Choice Home Warranty, a company that allegedly deceived customers by misrepresenting coverage for home appliances like air conditioning units while failing to actually replace them. The fraud primarily targeted vulnerable populations including seniors, veterans, and people on fixed incomes, with over 1,500 Arizona consumers filing complaints since 2013. Going forward, consumers should carefully review warranty fine print and disclosures before purchasing home warranties, and report any coverage denials to their state's attorney general or insurance department.

A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings after a romance scammer posing as a Naval officer on Facebook convinced her to send over $70,000 in payments, claiming he needed help with customs fees for packages containing gold and jewelry. The scam devastated her retirement, forcing her to sell her home and move into an apartment, and she only discovered the fraud when her financial advisor became suspicious during a loan application. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic messages from strangers online, never send money to people you haven't met in person—especially for customs fees or emergencies—and consult trusted advisors like family members or financial professionals before making large financial decisions.

Arizona has lost approximately $177 million annually to crypto ATM scams, with seniors over 60 making up 43% of victims, prompting Attorney General Kris Mayes to launch a crackdown and new complaint reporting system. Scammers use various tactics including impersonation calls about legal or banking issues to trick victims into sending money through crypto ATMs, which lack protections and are difficult to trace. To protect yourself, avoid using crypto ATMs if someone urges you to do so, report scams within 30 days to the state, and be skeptical of unsolicited requests for crypto payments.

# Arizona Attorney General Warns Against Sports Betting Scams Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning sports fans, particularly ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, to avoid illegal sportsbooks and unregulated prediction markets that lack proper oversight, security protections, and compliance standards. Fraudsters use these unregulated operations to steal winnings, personal information, and financial data from bettors, while also evading anti-money laundering laws. Arizonans can protect themselves by only using legal, regulated betting platforms, and those struggling with gambling addiction can call 1-800-NEXT-STEP for free confidential counseling.

A 27-year-old Jamaican man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for defrauding elderly victims through fake sweepstakes schemes that convinced them they had won prizes and needed to pay upfront fees to claim the winnings, with one Arizona senior losing over $480,000. The scheme involved collecting money through gift cards and bank transfers while posing as federal representatives, and Jackson has been ordered to pay $74,530 in restitution. Law enforcement urges seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications and to report suspected fraud immediately to the FBI, as scammers commonly use fake lotteries, health care schemes, and government imposter tactics to steal from elderly Americans.

# Cryptocurrency ATM Scam Summary Arizona residents lost over $177 million in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams, with scammers primarily targeting older adults through deceptive phone calls, texts, or emails claiming legal trouble or compromised accounts. Attorney General Kris Mayes warns that if someone pressures you to use a cryptocurrency ATM, you're likely being scammed—once money is deposited, it transfers directly to scammers and is nearly impossible to recover. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact urging you to withdraw cash or use crypto ATMs, and report scams to the Attorney General within 30 days if you've been victimized.

Romance scams on social media and dating apps are costing victims significant sums of money by creating fake profiles of military personnel, doctors, or other professionals who build trust before requesting funds for emergencies or financial opportunities. Recent cases in Arizona show victims losing between $55,000 and $151,000 after being convinced to send money for logistics, medical emergencies, or other fabricated needs. To protect yourself, avoid sending money to anyone who won't video chat or meet in person, be especially cautious if they claim to be overseas or unable to verify their identity, and report any suspected scams to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.

An Arizona woman lost $1.5 million after clicking on a fake tech support website while searching for help with her TV's closed captioning, demonstrating how scammers use convincing fake websites and remote access software to systematically drain victims' accounts over time. The Federal Trade Commission reports that scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with a fourfold increase in victims losing $10,000 or more and a sevenfold increase in scams exceeding $100,000. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited tech support offers, avoid clicking links from search results when seeking help, and never grant remote access to your computer or pay upfront fees to unknown callers—instead, contact companies directly using official phone numbers from their legitimate websites.

# Organized Retail Theft Sentencing Adam Polansky was sentenced to 6 years in prison and ordered to pay over $18,000 in restitution for his role in an organized retail theft ring that stole approximately $10 million in merchandise from Arizona retailers between 2018 and 2024. The case highlights the growing problem of organized retail crime, which affects both local businesses and consumers through increased prices and reduced shopping safety. Shoppers and retailers can help combat this issue by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement and supporting retailers' loss prevention efforts.

Starting September 26, 2025, Arizona is implementing new protections against cryptocurrency ATM scams that require operators to issue receipts, provide clear terms and conditions, and refund fraud victims. If you've been scammed at a crypto ATM in Arizona, you must report it within 30 days using the state Attorney General's form (available online or by mail), and should gather your ATM receipt, documentation of customer service interactions, and any police report. The new law aims to reduce fraud by limiting daily transaction amounts and requiring operators to be more transparent and accountable.

California has revoked over 280 fraudulent hospice licenses in the past two years as part of a crackdown on schemes where operators enrolled Medicare patients in hospice care without their knowledge or proper services, potentially costing billions in taxpayer money. The fraud affected vulnerable elderly patients across multiple states including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, with some operators using illegal tactics like "license flipping" to avoid regulatory oversight. Patients and their families should verify hospice provider legitimacy through state licensing boards and Medicare's official resources, and report suspicious enrollment or lack of services to federal authorities immediately.

A new survey ranks Nevada as America's most deceitful state, with nearly one in five residents admitting to frequent lying and the second-highest rate of romance scams, while Florida leads in overall fraud and identity theft, and Arizona suffered the largest losses to romance scams at $53.7 million in 2024. The study highlights serious threats including a notorious "romance scam on steroids" in Nevada where a woman targeted elderly men through dating apps, as well as increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled voice cloning scams in Florida. Experts advise residents to be cautious with online dating profiles, protect personal information carefully, verify urgent requests from loved ones through direct contact, and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Arizona's Attorney General secured a settlement against Heritage Village, a Mesa assisted living facility accused of elder abuse and consumer fraud, permanently barring its owners from operating future care facilities in Arizona and requiring them to pay $100,000 in penalties. The facility, which had a history of serious incidents including violence, sexual assault, and criminal abuse of residents, was placed into receivership in 2024 and subsequently sold to new owners. Elderly residents and their families seeking quality care should research facility histories, check regulatory records, and report any suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services or local authorities immediately.

Arizona's Attorney General has reached a settlement barring the owners of Heritage Village Assisted Living from operating health care facilities in the state and requiring them to pay $100,000 in penalties following widespread elder abuse and consumer fraud at the facility, where residents experienced violence and sexual assault. The facility, which faced closure due to serious safety violations, has since improved under court-appointed management. Seniors and their families should research assisted living facilities' inspection records and complaint histories before enrollment, and report suspected abuse to local authorities or the Attorney General's office.

SimonMed Imaging, a medical imaging provider, reached a settlement with Arizona's Attorney General for improperly delaying refunds to patients who were overcharged. The company had been collecting upfront payments based on estimates and failing to refund overpayments for over a year in some cases, forcing patients to choose between paying out-of-pocket or being denied services. If you received imaging services from SimonMed and didn't receive a timely refund, you should file a complaint with the Attorney General's office before April 30, 2026, to potentially receive restitution.

A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings to a romance scammer who posed as a U.S. Naval officer on Facebook, convincing her to sell her house to fund their fake relationship and pay supposed customs fees for packages that never existed. The scammer used classic tactics including romantic messages, claims of being stationed overseas (preventing phone calls), and fabricated stories about needing money for customs clearance, ultimately extracting over $70,000 from Susan across multiple payments. To protect yourself: be skeptical of online relationships that quickly turn romantic, never wire money or make large payments to people you've only met online, and consult trusted financial advisors before making major financial decisions based on someone's requests.

Scammers stole over $400,000 from Sedona residents in 2025, with 67 police reports filed related to fraud and phone scams, targeting both elderly residents and younger people through AI impersonation schemes. The problem is part of a nationwide trend, with Americans losing $196 billion to scams in 2024 and Arizonans losing over $521 million. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, be wary of urgent money requests from people claiming to be friends or family, and keep your passwords updated.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is prioritizing consumer protection in 2026, with a focus on combating romance scams that have devastated seniors who are losing their life savings to online predators. She's also targeting corporate consolidation through antitrust enforcement—such as her lawsuit against RealPage for allegedly colluding to artificially raise rents—and plans to crack down on robocalls and spam. Consumers can protect themselves by being cautious of unsolicited online romantic overtures, staying informed about corporate practices affecting their costs, and reporting suspicious calls to authorities.

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to a settlement with 35 state attorneys general, including Arizona's, after selling millions of vehicles without standard anti-theft technology, leading to a nationwide epidemic of car thefts that endangered public safety. The manufacturers failed to include engine-immobilizer technology that prevents thieves from starting vehicles without a smart key—while 96% of competitors' vehicles had this feature in 2015, only 26% of Hyundai and Kia vehicles did. Owners of these vehicles should take protective measures like using steering wheel locks, parking in well-lit areas, and considering comprehensive insurance coverage while the manufacturers implement fixes required by the settlement.

Fraud in Arizona has surged dramatically, with over 22,000 residents reporting scams this year and seniors alone losing nearly $67 million, according to the FBI and Federal Trade Commission. The FBI recommends that families use holiday gatherings to have open conversations with relatives—especially elderly grandparents—about potential scams, including warning signs like new online relationships, requests for money, and cryptocurrency investment schemes, which are currently the leading fraud threat in Arizona. Taking time to ask direct questions about these red flags can help prevent people across all demographics from falling victim to scammers who often operate from overseas.

# Holiday Shopping Scam Warning During the busy holiday season, scam artists ramp up their efforts to steal money from shoppers both online and in stores, according to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. The warning applies to all consumers planning to purchase gifts, whether shopping online or in person. To protect yourself, consumers should follow safety tips for online shopping, in-person purchases, gift card buying, and remain alert to suspicious activity throughout the season.

# Romance Scam Summary Nearly 59,000 Americans lost $697.3 million to romance scams in 2024, with scammers posing as potential partners on dating apps to extract money from victims. Arizona, Alaska, and Wyoming reported the highest rates of romance scams per capita, with Arizona seeing particularly steep increases in both reports and financial losses. To protect yourself, verify matches through video calls before sharing personal or financial information, research potential matches on social media, and be suspicious of anyone who quickly professes feelings or asks for money.

# Fraud Surge Targets Arizona Seniors Arizona experienced a 20% surge in senior fraud reports in 2025, with over 7,000 victims losing nearly $67 million to holiday scammers who exploit increased online shopping and charitable giving. The most common schemes include fake online shopping websites, phishing messages about delayed packages, and bogus charity donation requests. Experts advise seniors to verify suspicious communications with trusted friends or family members before taking action, and emphasize that victims shouldn't feel ashamed as scammers are highly sophisticated and specifically target vulnerable populations.

A 2024 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona residents will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with reported losses alone estimated at $558 million plus $3.4 billion in unreported incidents—representing a 384 percent increase in reported fraud losses since 2020. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, while the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) is 30 percent higher than the national average. The report warns that fraud creates broader economic damage costing the state approximately 45,000 jobs and reducing GDP by $5.2

A 2025 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud, with only about 14 percent of cases being reported; in 2024 alone, Arizonans reported nearly 55,000 fraud cases resulting in $521 million in losses. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. The report estimates that fraud-related losses shrink Arizona's GDP by $5.2 billion annually and cost the state over 45,000

Arizona residents are projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with the average loss per incident at $6,270—nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. Adults 60 and older account for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with those 70 and older suffering the highest average dollar losses, according to a Common Sense Institute analysis. Fraud schemes include identity theft, phishing, romance scams, wire transfer fraud, and elder financial abuse, with experts warning that risks will grow as more commerce moves online.

Arizona ranks as the fourth most dangerous state for online dating, with a romance scam rate of 14 per 100,000 users—the highest in the nation—according to a Privacy Journal study. The state also reports elevated rates of fraud, identity theft, and STD reports on dating apps, though it ranks sixth in registered sex offender numbers. Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire are identified as the safest states for online dating.

Arizona is projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the state ranking 11th nationally in fraud rates at 1,459 cases per 100,000 residents, according to a Common Sense Institute report. Common fraud types affecting Arizonans include grandparent scams, romance scams, gift card scams, skimming, and forgery, with experts noting that only about 14% of fraud is reported to authorities. Researchers recommend that families help protect older adults—who are at higher risk due to lower technological familiarity—by teaching them to verify sources before sharing financial information online.

Fraudulent sober living homes in Arizona scammed taxpayers out of more than $2.8 billion by exploiting and trafficking Native Americans. However, the subsequent regulatory crackdown has inadvertently harmed legitimate rehab programs by suspending and terminating ethical providers without due process, according to state officials.