Last updated: August 2015

Unscrupulous used car salespeople used to be at the top the list of consumer complaints filed in Arizona every year. When I first wrote this article more than ten years ago, that was also the number one consumer complaint in Arizona! Times have changed, and crooks have more ways to try to separate you from your money.

This list represents complaints made to the Better Business Bureau of Central, Northern and Western Arizona by Arizona consumers who are concerned that they have been victims of consumer fraud.

1. Arrest Scam / Jury Duty Scam
   Someone claiming to be a police officer or the IRS calls saying they’ll arrest you for overdue taxes or skipping out on jury duty unless you send money. More on the jury duty scam.
2. Tech Support Scam
   A call or a pop-up on the computer is received claiming to be from Microsoft (or Norton or Apple) about a problem on the computer. Scammers request access to the hard drive, and then install malware on the computer to steal personal information.
3. “Are You Calling Yourself?” Scam
   Scammers can use technology to make a call appear like it’s coming from any company and any number. Don't assume you know who is on the other end of the call.
4. Copycat Website Scam
   An email, text message or social media post announces a terrific sale or exciting new product. Consumers who don't verify the legitimacy of the website may provide credit card numbers to scammers.
5. Medical Alert Scam
   Targeting older adults, scammers call or visit claiming a concerned family member ordered a medical alert device in case of emergency. The scammer takes credit card or banking information promising to deliver the device, but never returns.
6. Emergency Scam
   Alternate name: grandparent scam. a call is made or email received saying a grandchild or family member was injured, robbed or arrested while traveling and needs money ASAP.
7. Government Grant Scam
   Consumers receive a call saying they’ve been awarded a government grant for thousands of dollars and all they have to do to collect the grant is pay a couple hundred dollars. Fake loan approvals fall into this category, too.
8. Robocall Scam
   “Rachel from Cardholder Services” does not exist, nor do her various couins who tell you there is no problem with your credit card, but you can get lower rates.
9. Click-Bait Scam
   The most notorious in 2014 was the use of fake videos after the Malaysian Airline plane went missing. Other click bait schemes use celebrity images, fake news, and other enticing stories to get you to unintentionally download malware. Be careful how you donate online.
10. Sweepstakes Scam
    Contests, lotteries or sweepstakes, consumers are tricked into paying fees in advance to claim winnings. Hint: you did not win if you did not play.

Consumers are encouraged to file a complaint with the appropriate agency along with documentation which supports the complaint (e.g., a copy of a contract, phone record, names of individuals involved, etc.).

While a consumer may feel he or she has been "ripped off," this does not necessarily mean that the business has engaged in unlawful activity. The State of Arizona necessarily has to restrict legal actions to those cases which involve the greatest harm to the public and which will have the greatest deterrent effect on fraud in the marketplace. Every complaint filed helps to determine whether the practice complained of represents a pattern or practice of fraudulent conduct.