TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — It's National Consumer Protection Week, a time the Federal Trade Commission uses to pass along information to people in hopes of helping them avoid online and phone scamsthat have become prevalent in the digital age.
One report shows Americans lost an estimated $40 billion to phishing scams in 2022 alone.
In Arizona, Attorney General Kris Mayes says those high figures aren't that different. The AG's Consumer Information and Complaints Unit kept busy last year, receiving more than 15,000 consumer complaints.
“Fraudsters and scammers take advantage of Arizonans, especially seniors,” said Mayes. “The attorney general’s office has a dedicated team that works every day to protect consumers and return funds or provide other remedies for fraud victims. It’s important for every Arizonan to understand best practices when it comes to your personal information, either online or on the telephone.”
According to the AG, the state's top five consumer fraud complaint trends of 2022 were:
- Motor Vehicle Sales, Repairs, and Rentals
- Mortgage and Real Estate
- Computer Web Pages
- Telemarketing, Phone Scams, and Unsolicited Text Messages
- Telecommunications, including Internet service providers, cell phones, pay TV, and bundling
Tips for avoiding scams:
Additionally, Mayes is warning that some scammers are moving to a door-to-door approach, looking to use high-pressure tactics and false claims to get people to make on-the-spot purchases or sign unnecessary contracts the old-fashioned way.
“As the saying goes, if a stranger appears at your door selling something that seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said Mayes. “Door-to-door scammers are most likely to prey upon elderly and other vulnerable citizens. I want Arizona’s consumers to know it is ok to be skeptical, ask questions, and simply say no.”
Mayes says some warning signs include:
- lack of a uniform or official identification
- asking for your personal information to continue the sale
- asking for up-front payment
- asking to enter your home for inspections
Mayes says to remember that in Arizona, consumers have a three-day window during which time they can cancel purchases. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, visit the Arizona Attorney General website or call (520) 628-6648.
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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
