In the aftermath of last week's severe storms across Arizona, Attorney General Mayes issued a consumer alert urging locals to remain vigilant against opportunistic scams. Those affected by the heavy rain, wind, hail, and flooding should especially be cautious of fraudulent contractors and deceptive charitable solicits attempting to exploit the vulnerable situation, as reported by a press release from the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
According to the Arizona Attorney General's Office, emphasized the prevalence of scams during times of disaster, stating, "Natural disasters can bring out the best in our neighbors—but unfortunately, they also attract bad actors looking to take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable." Unlicensed contractors may knock on doors or make unsolicited phone calls, offering seemingly affordable repair services that are too good to be true. To combat potential scams, homeowners are advised to seek multiple estimates, ask for referrals, and never pay the full amount upfront for services not yet rendered.
In addition to construction fraud, citizens should watch out for charity fraud, where scammers use tactics such as high-pressure solicitation and requests for unconventional payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends donating to established organizations and thoroughly researching any charity before giving to ensure legitimacy. Moreover, crowdfunding campaigns should be scrutinized to ascertain the identity of organizers and the intended use of the donated funds.
Victims of consumer fraud have the recourse to file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General's office or the Registrar of Contractors. They can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker. Attorney General Mayes asserted her office's commitment to investigate and curb exploitative practices, especially during recovery periods, affirming, "My office stands ready to investigate and hold accountable those who exploit disasters to enrich themselves," according to the Arizona Attorney General's Office press release.
