The Arizona Attorney General’s Office announced that it recovered over $38 million in direct restitution for consumers in 2019.

Since Mark Brnovich took over the office in January 2015, the agency has obtained a record amount of consumer restitution, recovering more than $94 million directly for consumers, according to a release.

In 2019 alone, the AG’s Office:

Secured over $33 million in consumer restitution through settlements and lawsuits;

Recovered nearly $5 million directly for consumers by working together with consumers and businesses to resolve complaints; and

Secured over $17 million additionally in civil penalties and costs from matters involving consumer protection.

“We’re fighting hard for consumers every day, whether they’re being targeted by local scammers or giant corporations,” Mr. Brnovich stated. “Our passionate consumer protection personnel are getting amazing results because they make sure every week is consumer protection week at the Attorney General’s Office.”

In 2019, the AG’s Office processed more than 14,000 written consumer complaints and fielded nearly 40,000 consumer phone calls, according to the release.

In addition to working to resolve consumer complaints, the office has recently brought legal actions against Purdue Pharma, vaping companies JUUL and Eonsmoke, home warranty company Choice Home Warranty, several executives of Chandler-based opioid manufacturer Insys Therapeutics, and many others.

The agency also distributed tens of millions of dollars in restitution to consumers from prior legal victories last year.

In recognition of Arizona Consumer Protection Week, Mr. Brnovich released a list of the Top Five Types of Arizona Consumer Fraud Complaints received in 2019.

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting azag.gov. If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763, in Tucson at 520-628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 800-352-8431.

Arizona Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7) is held annually in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, a nationwide campaign aimed at consumer protection and fighting fraud.

2019 Top Arizona Consumer Fraud Complaints:

Telemarketing and Phone Scams

Motor Vehicle Sales, Repairs, and Rentals

Mortgage and Real Estate

Telecommunications (i.e. internet service providers, cell phones, pay TV, bundling)

Insurance Service Contract/Warranty (i.e. home warranties)

Top Five Tips to Avoid Common Consumer Scams:

Phone Scams: Never give money in response to an unsolicited phone call, and remember that legitimate government agencies will not threaten you or demand that you pay a debt or fee immediately.

Motor Vehicles: When buying a vehicle, make sure all promises made by the salesperson or business are put in writing and that you get a copy of all paperwork.

Real Estate: Read all documents and understand all terms before signing. Do not sign contracts or agreements with blank spaces or in a language you do not understand.

Telecommunications: Keep an eye on your monthly bill for unauthorized fees or sudden, new charges.

Home Warranties: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.